Columbia Basin College continues to work toward opening a new science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, learning center for all ages after receiving its largest philanthropic gift ever last year.

However, an opening date for the Community STEM Learning Center, which will be located in a building formerly occupied by Pasco School District’s New Horizons High School has not been set, though college officials said they are looking at welcoming the center’s first visitors in 2027.

Elizabeth Burtner, the college’s vice president for marketing and external engagement, said college officials are working with an advisory board and external partners on the roadmap for the facility.

Current work includes inside development for exhibits, programming, design and layout. The college also has hired a program coordinator to develop community outreach, with events soon to come to excite the community.

“Our goal is not to move fast but to be intentional and build the right thing for our community and campus,” Burtner said in an email.

Battelle donated $3.25 million to the college more than a year ago to establish a new learning center focused on STEM disciplines. It was the research firm’s largest philanthropic gift ever in the Tri-Cities, where it has operated Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy for more than 60 years.

“This gift aligns closely with Battelle’s mission to leverage science and technology for the betterment of society,” Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle, said in a statement at the time. “The partnerships established through this Community STEM Learning Center will build on CBC’s whole-family engagement model to meet the community’s needs and encourage students to pursue the essential STEM careers of tomorrow.” 

Battelle and the college had discussed the concept of a STEM center for months prior to the announcement. The goal of the facility is to provide hands-on and immersive STEM learning experiences for students, families, educators and the public. 

STEM careers have been a source of enrollment growth for the college in recent years. The college now has four-year degrees in computer science, cybersecurity and software development. It has expanded its nuclear program to accommodate anticipated growth in the industry locally.