Southern Indiana Business Report
WASHINGTON – Washington Community Schools’ commitment to offering high quality STEM learning has earned it national recognition from STEM.org, the nation’s longest continually operating, privately held STEM education research and credentialing organization.
This distinction recognizes the district’s commitment to providing high-quality, vertically aligned STEM learning experiences that prepare students for success in college, careers, and an increasingly technology-driven world.
STEM.org evaluates schools and districts based on rigorous standards that emphasize instructional quality, hands-on learning, workforce alignment, and sustained student engagement. Washington Community Schools has built a comprehensive K-12 STEM pathway that ensures every student has access to meaningful, future-ready learning opportunities.
Examples of WCS K-12 STEM framework include:
- Robust classroom instruction and extracurricular opportunities
- Project Lead The Way across multiple grade levels, providing students with hands-on experiences in engineering, computer science and applied problem-solving
- Districtwide robotics programs for all grade levels, including LEGO robotics, VEX robotics and FIRST Robotics
In addition, the district recently launched a K-12 Microelectronics curriculum, providing students with early exposure to semiconductor concepts, circuitry, and emerging technologies. This innovative program connects directly to high-demand career pathways and reflects the district’s commitment to preparing students for the evolving technological workforce.
“We are incredibly proud to receive national recognition from STEM.org,” said Dr. Steve Peterson, Assistant Superintendent of Washington Community Schools. “This distinction reflects the intentional work of our teachers and the opportunities we have built for students from kindergarten through graduation. Through our aligned robotics programs, Project Lead The Way coursework, and our new K-12 Microelectronics curriculum, we are creating a system that allows students to develop skills progressively over time. This recognition affirms our commitment to preparing students not just for graduation, but for meaningful futures in college, careers, and advanced technical fields.”