Building the Future of STEM in Centre County—But We Need a New Home

By Connect Crew | March 11, 2026

On many evenings in Centre County, long after the school day ends, a group of students gathers around workbenches, laptops, and robot parts. Some are designing mechanical arms. Others are writing code. Still others are strategizing how their robot will compete against teams from across the region. And yet others are developing business strategies to financially sustain and grow their organization. 

What they are really doing is learning how to solve problems, collaborate, and think like engineers.

These students are part of the Centre County 4-H Robotics Club (CC4H Robotics), a county-wide STEM program operated through Penn State Extension 4-H that competes in FIRST® robotics competitions at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.

Ten years ago, the program started with just one robotics team. Today, under the leadership of it’s two lead volunteer mentors, Bill Jester and Vivian Servey, it has grown into fourteen teams serving more than 130 students from twenty-nine schools across Centre County.

That growth has been fueled by student curiosity, supportive families, and dedicated volunteer mentors who believe hands-on learning can change lives.

But the success of the program has created both an opportunity and a challenge: the demand for these experiences has now outgrown the space available to support them.

To help meet that demand and expand access to STEM opportunities, several lead mentors from CC4H Robotics recently launched a new nonprofit organization called CentreSTEM, Inc.

CentreSTEM’s mission is to expand access to hands-on, project-based education in robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity for K–12 students across Centre County. These programs help students develop critical skills such as problem solving, teamwork, communication, and project management—skills that local employers say are increasingly important.

The impact of these programs is already clear. The impact of these programs is already clear. Graduating students leave with a wide range of STEM and professional skills that they can carry with them to their next steps in higher education, trade school, or directly into Pennsylvania’s workforce.

Former participant Jacob Oakman, now a software engineer at Microsoft, remembers the experience as life changing.

“CC4H was the first place where I really felt at home as a kid,” Oakman said. “The skills I learned helped me in college and my career, but the values of collaboration and inclusivity became central to who I am.”

CentreSTEM’s long-term vision is to create a permanent home for robotics teams, a regional hub for robotics competitions, and a STEM education center offering hands-on programs in robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

But before that vision can be realized, the organization faces a pressing challenge.

The robotics teams currently operate out of a donated facility generously provided by a local business owner. Unfortunately, that space will no longer be available after September 2026, and the program must find a new home.

CentreSTEM is currently seeking 4,000 to 8,000 square feet of space that could support robotics build areas, classrooms, and equipment storage. Suitable spaces could include commercial, warehouse, light industrial, or flex space.

Community members and businesses can help by donating space, offering a below-market lease, or making tax-deductible contributions toward the organization’s $100,000 facility transition goal.

The space does not need to be perfect—just safe, accessible, and large enough for students to build, learn, and collaborate.

After all, the students building robots today are also building the future workforce of Centre County.

With the community’s support, CentreSTEM can ensure they continue to have a place to do it.

If you or someone in your network may be able to help, please reach out to Bill Gendron (bill.gendron@centrestem.org) or contact us via www.centrestem.org to explore opportunities.