Walla Walla College Wins National Grant for Kids in STEM

Walla Walla Community College receives STEM Innovation Grant from the American Association of Community Colleges in partnership with General Motors. The award will expand WWCC's popular Kids College program with new STEM-focused learning opportunities designed to introduce youth ages 9-13 to early career exploration in science, technology, engineering and math.

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TITLE: Walla Walla College Wins National Grant for Kids in STEM

SUMMARY: Walla Walla Community College just became one of only 18 colleges nationwide to win a competitive STEM grant that will bring hands-on science and engineering programs to local kids. The partnership with General Motors will introduce 9-13 year olds to future careers while strengthening the region's talent pipeline.

CONTENT:

A small community college in Washington state just beat out hundreds of schools nationwide for a chance to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Walla Walla Community College earned a prestigious STEM Innovation Grant from the American Association of Community Colleges and General Motors, joining only 17 other institutions selected across the entire country. The funding will expand the college's popular Kids College program with new hands-on opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math for students ages 9 to 13.

"This award is national recognition of the exceptional work WWCC's Continuing Education staff and community partners are doing to spark curiosity and confidence in young learners," said Annaliese Baker, director of Continuing and Community Education. The early exposure to STEM careers could shape the region's workforce for decades to come.

The timing couldn't be better. Through its EmployEd initiative, General Motors has invested more than $1.5 million in community colleges nationwide to build pathways connecting young students to high-demand career fields. WWCC's win puts the college in elite company as a national leader in youth STEM engagement and workforce development.

The Ripple Effect

The impact reaches far beyond classroom walls. By introducing local kids to engineering and technology careers early, the program creates a stronger talent pipeline for regional employers who desperately need skilled workers in advanced manufacturing and technical fields.

AACC President DeRionne Pollard emphasized the bigger picture: "Aligning community college career and technical education with industry needs in advanced manufacturing is a high priority for AACC. We are proud to work with General Motors in building and sustaining workforce pipelines."

Program development is already underway. WWCC staff are designing new courses and forging partnerships with local employers, industry leaders, and community organizations to give kids real-world exposure to STEM careers through exploratory, hands-on learning.

For a community college in a small Washington town, this national recognition proves that innovation and impact aren't limited by geography.