The Wells County Chamber of Commerce recently joined the Wells Community Boys & Girls Club for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the opening of the Club's new STEM Room at 1410 South Wayne Street in Bluffton. The space gives local youth hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while building creativity, problem-solving skills, coding experience, and career awareness.
The room has been in the making for years. What started as a small robotics program in the Club's multipurpose room has grown into a dedicated space with robotics tools, coding equipment, a 3D printer, and a media center. The goal is to introduce children to a wide range of STEM activities and help them discover interests and skills they may not otherwise have the chance to explore.
Simon Jones, STEM Coordinator, who has helped lead the Club's STEM efforts, said the new space will create more learning opportunities. Through VEX Robotics, students build robots from step-by-step instructions, then control them with a remote or program them through coding. "Our initial goal is to expose our children to different areas of STEM," Jones explained. "That includes engineering through robotics, coding for the 3D printer, media and podcasting, and other STEM-related experiences."
Programs are designed for children of different ages and skill levels. Younger members can start with Botley, an introductory coding robot for children ages six to eight that teaches sequencing and planning. Older youth will have access to more advanced robotics programs, including VEX and Dash Robotics, and can eventually use coding to complete creative projects such as programming a robot to draw.
The STEM Room also includes a 3D printer, giving students a chance to explore both the creative and technical sides of design and technology. A media production area will support video production, podcasting, social media, and other forms of digital communication. Through those tools, students can help tell the story of the Wells Community Boys & Girls Club while developing skills that may translate into future careers.
The Club's STEM programming is intended to reach children of all ages and encourage both boys and girls to explore STEM. "We want to target all ages. We have something for all ages to do," Jones shared. "We're trying to get everybody involved and get that part of the brain working."
The effort to expand STEM opportunities began several years ago, when the Club first introduced Botley robotics in its multipurpose room and later moved the program into the gym to meet growing interest. As participation increased, the need for a dedicated STEM space became clear.
Veronica Garza, Chief Operating Officer, has also played an important role in developing the Club's STEM programming and helping students learn through technology and hands-on experiences. Staff and supporters saw an opportunity to offer children experiences similar to school-based robotics and coding programs, especially for students who may not otherwise have access to them.
"We have kids who were participating in robotics over at the school, and we were like, 'Why not us?' was the mindset that helped move the program forward.” The STEM Room was made possible through grants and community support, including a Wells County Foundation grant awarded last year to help purchase equipment. Additional funding came from generous donors, bringing the total raised to approximately $75,000.
The Club plans to add equipment and resources as funding becomes available and continue rotating activities so students can explore a broad range of STEM opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Club hopes the STEM Room will become a sustainable program that introduces children to new technology while helping them identify their strengths and interests as they prepare for future careers. "Career readiness is something that we explore as well," Jones shared. "Getting them into finding their niche and finding what they're good at and running with it."
The Club also hopes to create content and use the 3D printer to produce items that could be sold to support the program's long-term growth. The Wells Community Boys & Girls Club has served youth in Wells County since 1998, beginning on Johnson Street before moving to its current location. Vicki Bell first became involved as a volunteer in 2006, joined the staff in 2007, and became Executive Director in 2013.
As Bell prepares to retire, the STEM Room marks a meaningful milestone in the continued growth of the organization. "This is something that has been in the works for three or four years," Bell shared. "We're really excited."
Bell emphasized the importance of making these opportunities available to every child, regardless of background or experience. The Club serves youth aged six through teenagers across Wells County and strives to help each child discover something they enjoy while developing skills they can carry into the future.
The Wells Community Boys & Girls Club offers school-year programming from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and summer programming from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families interested in enrolling their children can visit the Club for a tour and complete an enrollment form. Updates and information are also shared on the Club's Facebook page.
Pictured celebrating the ribbon-cutting are Simon Jones, Veronica Garza, Vicki Bell, Wells Community Boys & Girls Club board members, staff, community supporters, Wells County Chamber Ambassadors, and Wells County Chamber staff.
Please view more photos from the event on our Facebook page.