November 7, 2025
During the week of November 3, CMI2’s ILLUME team visited Brooke High School and Brooke Middle School to meet with students and educators, sharing stories and demonstrations that brought the program’s mission to life.
“The enthusiasm we saw from students was incredible,” said Walter ‘Wally’ Hatfield, Vice President of Training and Experimentation for CMI2. “They asked thoughtful questions, shared big ideas, and showed us they’re ready to take on the challenge of creating, building, and leading.”
The visits included conversations about the power of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to shape the future and how those skills connect directly to careers that support national resilience and innovation.
Educators at both schools echoed that excitement, noting that ILLUME provides opportunities that blend classroom learning with creative, hands-on projects.
Empowering Brooke County Students
ILLUME helps students:
- Innovate through real-world projects and problem-solving.
- Learn advanced skills in STEM and the arts.
- Lead as changemakers in their communities.
- Unite with peers, educators, and industry mentors.
- Make meaningful contributions through design and creation.
- Experiment with bold ideas in a supportive environment.
“The goal of the ILLLUME program helps prepare students for high-demand STEM and skilled trades careers, which are directly tied to our national security focus,” Hatfield said. “The opportunity to amplify ILLUME’s impact on students and the community in Brooke County is tremendous.”
A Shared Vision for Innovation
The expansion into Brooke County is part of a three-year plan to bring ILLUME to 11 West Virginia counties by 2028.
Over the coming months, Brooke County students will dive into workshops, collaborative projects, and leadership experiences designed to help them imagine, design, and innovate.
“West Virginia’s students have the talent and drive to shape the future,” Hatfield added. “What they need are opportunities, and with ILLUME in Brooke County, those opportunities are here.”
About ILLUME:
ILLUME is a STEM-focused educational program by CMI2 and WVPEC that connects innovation, leadership, and hands-on learning to help students prepare for meaningful futures in science, technology, and skilled trades.
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