To solve tomorrow’s challenges, the world needs to attract and prepare students to enter the STEM workforce. This starts with inspiring innovation and creativity in students today.

The Yakima Valley/Tri-Cities (YVTC) MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) provides enriching, hands-on opportunities in mathematics, engineering, and science for students and educators to inspire, prepare, and increase exposure and interest in STEM and STEM careers. Working together—educators, school districts, parents, and our community—we will create a program center that best meets the needs of our students and transforms STEM education in our local area. We want to enable all students opportunity and success for a STEM-focused future.

Yakima Valley/Tri-Cities (YVTC) MESA Center @ PNNL Background

The Washington State MESA program was developed in 1982. YVTC MESA students receive resources and guidance to successfully pursue a college degree and career in a STEM field. In 2018, PNNL took a leadership role in the YVTC MESA program. PNNL leads one of six Washington MESA centers in the Yakima Valley and Mid-Columbia region, serving school districts from College Place to Granger. Over 400 student are served annually, as YVTC MESA students participate in hands-on engineering design challenges, STEM activities in their classrooms, and regional and statewide competitions. 

Since 2018, when PNNL took a leadership role in the Yakima Valley/Tri Cities (YVTC) MESA Program, the YVTC MESA team has won the statewide competition and advanced to nationals every year. This year, the YVTC MESA high school team placed 2nd at the national engineering design competition. 

“I never considered STEM until participating in the YVTC MESA program. I was inspired to become an engineer and I hope to mix the beauty of art with the elements of engineering in the future.” — Kimberly, Chiawana High School MESA Student