Now in its eighth year, the Washington Alliance of Better Schools (WABS) Afterschool STEM Academy promotes hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning experiences in an afterschool environment. Using activities designed by local teachers, Boeing engineers volunteer their time to lead activities that reinforce STEM concepts to students in grades 4-8. Lowell, Penny Creek, Mill Creek, and Whittier Elementary Schools participate in this program. This is a popular program, at Penny Creek the 3 sessions fill up quickly with 20 – 25 students wanting to work in teams to solve real-world math problems, design and build products while trouble shooting issues along the way.