MASHANTUCKET, CT – Wondr Nation, the online gaming and entertainment company owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, has partnered with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians through the award of a Wondr Smart Labs grant, expanding its culturally integrated science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education program beyond Connecticut for the first time. The partnership will provide hands-on coding and robotics programming to Morongo tribal youth ranging from pre-kindergarten through high school students.
Wondr Smart Labs is a youth-focused learning program that integrates tribal cultural elements into STEAM-based education. The program was previously implemented with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in Connecticut, where coding instruction was paired with Pequot culture-driven lessons such as storytelling, language, and traditional practices to create an engaging and layered learning experience.
“Through Wondr Smart Labs, we aim to support tribal communities by delivering STEAM education that reinforces and celebrates tribal cultural identity while building future-ready skills,” said Anika Howard, CEO and President of Wondr Nation. “We are honored to partner with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians as our first grant recipient outside Connecticut.”
Through the grant, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians will receive coding-based curriculum using Sphero robots, scalable programming for multiple age groups, along with all required initial equipment and training, including tablets, and virtual training for tribal staff. The program also includes example curriculum designed to incorporate Morongo-specific tribal culture into STEAM instruction. Additional Wondr Smart Labs grant partnerships with tribal nations are planned.
“Wondr Smart Labs represents a meaningful investment in our youth and the future of our tribe,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “By integrating STEAM education with our cultural values and traditions, this program empowers our students to build critical skills while staying rooted in their heritage. We’re proud to partner with Wondr Nation to bring this innovative learning opportunity to our community.”
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians’ participation in Wondr Smart Labs underscores a shared commitment to expanding access to culturally relevant education and creating pathways for tribal youth to thrive in an increasingly digital world. As Wondr Nation continues to grow the Wondr Smart Labs initiative, the program aims to partner with additional tribal nations to support the next generation of Indigenous innovators.
“The partnership with Wondr Nation creates powerful new opportunities for students at the Morongo School,” said Destiny Garcia, Chair of the Morongo Education Committee. “Wondr Smart Labs opens doors to hands-on learning in technology and innovation while honoring our cultural values, helping prepare our students for lifelong success.”