STEMForce Academy, a hands-on STEM learning center based in Martinsburg, has partnered with Varsity Travel to help expand awareness of STEM education opportunities for students throughout the Eastern Panhandle.
As part of the partnership, Varsity Travel has placed STEMForce Academy magnets on several vehicles in its fleet. These vehicles travel throughout the region every day, helping introduce families and communities to the hands-on STEM programs available through the academy. The initiative aims to increase awareness of educational opportunities in robotics, coding, engineering, and emerging technologies.
STEMForce Academy was founded to provide local students with engaging STEM experiences that build confidence, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
“Technology is shaping every industry and every career path,” said Sonia Ala, founder of STEMForce Academy. “Our goal is to give students the opportunity to explore these technologies early, build confidence in their abilities, and discover what they are capable of creating.”
The partnership between STEMForce Academy and Varsity Travel reflects a shared commitment to strengthening educational opportunities and investing in the future of local students.
Sonia Ala, along with Krishna Pillai, Malissa Lecrone, Vicky Maples, Kim Tummolo, and Tyler Tummolo, are founding members of the CodeCraftCreate Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring innovative STEM programs remain accessible to all students, regardless of financial circumstances. All six founders serve together on the foundation’s Board of Directors.
Through the CodeCraftCreate Foundation, scholarships and funding are provided to help more students participate in hands-on programs like those offered through STEMForce Academy.
“Our vision is to make sure that every student who is curious about technology has the opportunity to explore it,” Ala said. “Programs like robotics, coding, and engineering can open doors for students, and we want those doors to be available to everyone.”
STEMForce Academy offers a wide variety of programs designed to inspire curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving, including:
• After-school STEM memberships
• Robotics and coding programs
• Drone Command flight training
• Minecraft and Roblox coding clubs
• Math tutoring and academic support
• Robotics competition training pathways
The academy is currently enrolling students for summer STEM camps and year-round memberships. These programs provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences where students design, build, code, and solve engineering challenges in a collaborative environment.
As STEMForce Academy continues to grow, the organization is also seeking partnerships with local businesses and community leaders who share a passion for expanding educational opportunities for young people across the region.
Community partners can help support scholarships, sponsor programs, and expand access to hands-on STEM learning experiences for students throughout the Eastern Panhandle.
“Building a strong future workforce starts with giving students opportunities today,” Ala said. “We are excited to work alongside community partners who want to help invest in the next generation of innovators.”
Families interested in learning more about STEMForce Academy programs, summer camps, or partnership opportunities can visit www.stemforceacademy.com or call 304-314-4086 for more information.