Future Innovators: A Hands-On STEAM Lab

West Covina, CA

Grant Amount

$4,950

Year Awarded

2025-2026

Project Coordinator

Shelly Warschaw

Grant Type

Individual

Local Association

Covina Unified Education Association

Focus Area

Science Technology Engineering, and Math

About the Project

This project engages middle school engineering students in designing and building therapeutic toys for children with sensory needs. Using Tinkercad and laser cutters, students will create prototypes in collaborative teams, with final toys donated to local hospitals. Multimedia students will assist in packaging and producing demonstration videos, reinforcing cross-curricular learning. The initiative promotes student creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem solving while fostering connections with families, school staff, and the broader community. It empowers students with hands-on experience and a sense of purpose through service-based learning.

Meet the Project Coordinator

Shelly Warschaw

I currently teach Project Lead the Way Course (Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics and App Creator along with Computer Science Innovation and Maker) as well as a Saturday Club called Femineers. All courses are available for grades 6–8 at Traweek Middle School. In addition to my teaching role, I serve as the school’s union site representative and help lead extracurricular programs such as our esports teams. My inspiration for the project funded by this grant came from a desire to give students hands-on engineering experiences through STEAM project builds, which often require replacement parts due to wear and tear. This grant will ensure that every student can fully engage in the design and testing process throughout the year.

West Covina, CA