CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) — The United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties hosted its first STEM Saturday class Saturday afternoon at its offices in the Harrison County Board of Education building. The program welcomed 16 students ages 10 to 16.
Melissa Sinisi led the two sessions, which focused on writing computer code and designing video game layouts. The goal of the program is to provide an educational experience where students can develop essential skills while fostering creativity and curiosity.
“I’m the director of education services for the United Way. When I was the executive director of the Literacy Volunteers, I wrote a grant and secured funding from Sacred Heart here in Clarksburg. We started with eight kids in those STEM classes.
“Then I wrote another grant, which was accepted by EQT and the Rural Technology Fund. We were able to use the funding to purchase laptops and teaching materials,” Sinisi said.
Most of the materials used during the classes are taken home by students.
“Last year, we made robotic cars, and they got to take those home. We also did electrical circuits, built fans that demonstrate Newton’s three laws, and launched rockets—students took those home as well. Most of our students are homeschooled, so it’s nice to come to a free class, learn, and have fun at the same time,” Sinisi said. After this class, students took home two computer coding books.
Sinisi said the STEM classes will continue once a month throughout 2025. The curriculum is sequential, but students do not have to attend the first session to participate. They can join at any point in the year.
“My favorite part of teaching is watching the children learn. Seeing the look in their eyes when they figure something out is really wonderful,” Sinisi said.
Sinisi taught high school science for more than 20 years in Marion County. She earned her undergraduate degree at Fairmont State and her master’s in biology at West Virginia University. After retiring, she continued teaching through the Literacy Volunteers and now at the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties.
The next STEM class will be held March 1 at the United Way office from noon to 2 p.m. Upcoming topics include artificial intelligence and its practical applications, hands-on experience with constructing and programming drones and robots, and experiments exploring energy and motion.
Parents interested in signing up their children for the next class can visit the United Way website, Facebook page, or the office on the fourth floor of the Board of Education building on Main Street in downtown Clarksburg.
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