MEDIA ALERT: WSU Tri Cities Hosts STEM Discovery Day For 173 Finley Elementary Students — AWB Manufacturing Week Bus To Make Special Stop - 05/13/26
Richland, Wash. — Local media are invited to cover an exciting, hands‑on STEM Discovery Day at Washington State University Tri‑Cities, where 173 third‑ through fifth‑grade students from Finley Elementary will participate in a full morning of science, technology, engineering, and math activities led by WSU faculty, staff, and students. As a special highlight, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Manufacturing Week Bus will make a stop during the event as part of its statewide tour.
WHAT:
WSU Tri‑Cities STEM Discovery Day — a high‑energy, interactive STEM experience featuring activities such as rocket building, robot demonstrations, paper circuits, perception goggles, music technology, 3-D activities and more. This STEM outreach event is funded by a grant from Women Helping Women.
In addition, the AWB Manufacturing Week Bus will also be on site to showcase Washington’s manufacturing sector and engage students in hands‑on learning.
WHO:
- 173 students from Finley Elementary School (3rd–5th grade)
- WSU Tri‑Cities faculty, staff, and student volunteers
- Finley School District teachers, support staff, and volunteers
- Members of the funding partner, Women Helping Women
- AWB Manufacturing Week Bus team
WHEN:
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Media are encouraged to attend between 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM, when students will be rotating through STEM activities across campus.
Key moments for visuals/interviews:
- 9:45 AM – Welcome at the Amphitheater
- 10 AM – 12:25 PM – STEM activity rotations
- 1 PM – STEM demonstration
WHERE:
Washington State University Tri‑Cities
2710 Crimson Way
Richland, WA 99354
Activities will take place across campus, including the Amphitheater, Collaboration Hall, and various classrooms in the Elson S. Floyd building.
WHY:
This event provides elementary students with early exposure to STEM fields through hands‑on, inquiry‑based activities designed to spark curiosity and confidence. The goal is to use this as a learning opportunity that creates a sense of belonging in STEM as well as providing exciting, joyful opportunities for students from all backgrounds to participate and find success in discovery and investigation. It also highlights WSU Tri‑Cities’ commitment to community partnerships and STEM education pathways.
The AWB Manufacturing Week Bus stop adds a unique opportunity for students to learn about Washington’s manufacturing industry and future career possibilities.
VISUALS & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Students building rockets, exploring robotics, creating circuits, and participating in sensory science
- Faculty and student instructors leading STEM demonstrations
- AWB Manufacturing Week Bus arrival and interactive displays
- Interviews with WSU Tri‑Cities leadership, Women Helping Women, Finley SD staff, and AWB representatives