Weekly Column: Promoting rural STEM education

Science, technology, engineering, and math – more commonly known as STEM – have become some of the most highly demanded careers in our nation’s economy. Schools across the country and in Central Washington have emphasized education programs to help prepare students for future careers in fields from chemistry and earth sciences to computer engineering and physics. Quality STEM education programs are essential to train the next generation of American minds.

Central Washington’s students are bright, and many of them are interested in pursuing careers in computer science, technology, research, or...