Local STEM Programs
Summer & Out of School Programs
Have an STEM event to share?
Cascade Mountain School
Day and overnight summer camps in Trout Lake on topics including making, outdoor leadership, and more. Also runs in-school programs.
Civil Air Patrol
Cadet program for ages 12-20 includes aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness, and character development.
Columbia Riverkeeper
Events throughout the year related to water quality monitoring, legal advocacy, and community organizing efforts to protect and restore the water quality of the Columbia River and all life connected to it, including community habitat restoration at the Nichols Natural Area to engage, education and inspire the diverse communities of the Columbia Gorge.
Community Youth Center (White Salmon)
After school activities, workshops, opportunities to provide community service, and more. Youth also participate in maintaining a community garden.
Gorge Ecology Institute
Place-based and experiential summer camps and after-school programs for elementary students. High school students can apply to be mentors. Also runs in-school SECRETS program.
Gorge Rocket Club
Monthly model rocket launches in Parkdale. Interested adults or families can sign-up through Hood River Community Education.
Gorge Technology Alliance
Leads several STEM efforts in the Gorge including: FIRST LEGO Robotics, Gorge Wind Challenge, STEM Career Day, monthly Geek Lunches, Women in STEM initiative, and numerous networking events.
Gorge Works
2022: Not currently offering internships, but that may change. Check back soon.
Paid summer internship program, including many roles in STEM fields.
FIRST Robotics
Four levels of robotics teams and competitions, from kindergarten through high school. Many teams are school-affiliated, but they can also be coached independently. Several teams in the Gorge, especially in Hood River and Wasco Counties.
Let's Get Out
Offers adventure sports and outdoor exploration camps in the summer around Hood River.
OSU Extension - Hood River County
STEM-related programs include Master Gardeners, Small Farms, and 4-H. Other programs: Oregon Open Campus and Food Safety.
OSU Extension - Wasco County
Programs include food safety, nutrition education, gardening, STEM Camps and afterschool, and 4-H.
Wasco County 4-H STEM Programming
Programs available throughout year and summer in several STEM topics including: robotics, computer coding, maker activities, career awareness, textiles, and more.
VEX Robotics
Two robotics programs: IQ for grades 4-8 and EDR for high school. Kids work in teams throughout the fall and compete against others in the winter. Can be school-sponsored or independent teams. Local contact: Email for more info. National website here.