A group of local youths in the 4-H Port Townsend STEM Club heads to Corvallis, Oregon, this week to participate in the Grand Kinetic Challenge. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math – a recent focus in American education that happens to be intrinsic to building kinetic sculptures.

The team has received $1,500 in sponsorships and grants in support of its participation in this year’s kinetic racing season. AMW Inc. is matching any scholarships, grants and donations with funds from wood sales for as much as $10,000.

The goal, said parent Gabriella Ashford, is to raise $20,000 for a two-year period. "It’s a big step up, but it will really be a game changer for the 20 kids we typically host during the year," Ashford wrote in a press release.

Sponsorship is welcome at five levels:
Guardian, $1,000 or more; Gold, $100 or more;
Silver, $50 or more; Bronze, $20 or more; and 4-H green, donations of $5 or more.

All sponsors are recognized during the kinetic sculpture contests at the county and state fairs, on the kinetic race circuit, in remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and robotics competitions as well as in all public events sponsored by the team.

Six kids are designing and welding their most sophisticated sculpture yet. With custom wheels, it also incorporates motorcycle parts, go-cart parts and bike parts. "It's a huge step up from anything they have ever done," Ashford said.
 "If we are successful in reaching our goal, the club will also be able to bring on a project-based math tutor."

Contact Ashford at 531-3575 or

havenkidz@gmail.com.