Realizing that not all families can afford to send their kids to a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based class like he enjoyed, Turlock High freshman Nihal Gill will be offering free classes in Ceres starting in January.

Dubbed “Project Spark,” the classes will take place at the Ceres Community Center once a month for students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Classes will focus on providing STEM education to elementary school students in Ceres, with an emphasis on robotics. The monthly class will include guest speakers from engineering and robotics industries along with hands on projects that students will participate in.

“I was inspired to start Project Spark after taking a robotics class a few years ago and becoming passionate about the subject,” said Gill.

The goal of Project Spark is to help kids in Ceres develop hands-on skills within STEM, an area of study often overlooked in Valley communities yet highly valued in urban areas like the Bay area.

Families may sign up for the classes at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street, or on the city’s website at www.ci.ceres.ca.us and click on the Recreation icon. Registration runs until Jan. 6. Classes will be held 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 11, Feb. 15, March 14, April 18, and May 16.