The TechREACH program took over LIGO Hanford on January 20, using the Observatory as a backdrop to introduce dozens of middle school students to professional mentors during activity-filled sessions in the morning (for boys) and the afternoon (for girls). TechREACH has migrated to eastern Washington in 2006-2007 while it continues to serve students on the western side of the state. The Puget Sound Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology in Bothell, WA operates TeachREACH; Yakima Valley Tri-Cities MESA serves as the Puget Sound Center's program partner in the Tri-Cities region. Support for TechREACH in eastern Washington has come from the National Science Foundation and the WSU Center to Bridge the Digital Divide.

After-school clubs are the focal point of student involvement in TechREACH. Clubs meet weekly. Under the guidance of teacher club leaders, students undertake hands-on technology-based curricula that emphasize teamwork and problem solving. Guest speakers and field trips add value to the club experience. TechREACH staff also connect students to local mentors from STEM professions such as LIGO's Carol Wilkinson (above right). Mentors and students communicate weekly via email after the mentors receive training from PSC staff members Heather Moss and Karen Manual. The event at LIGO brought students and mentors together for a face-to-face meeting before the email exchanges began.

At LIGO, event hosts from PSC and YVTC MESA welcomed the participants in each session. Following introductory remarks by LIGO scientist Michael Landry, mentors and students tackled the set of LIGO physics and astronomy exhibits, growing acquainted with each other as they explored gravity and wave behavior. Each session concluded with more conversation over a meal and door prizes. Students and mentors departed knowing that they'll be periodically emailing each other over the remainder of the school year. Mentors also will receive invitations to year-end club meetings at which students will display the results of their club projects.