Joseph Vanderway is a pioneering educator and robotics mentor who has played a crucial role in advancing STEM education in the San Fernando Valley. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has been a dedicated advocate for hands-on learning in robotics and engineering.

In 2000, Vanderway launched the area’s first robotics program, uniting a coalition of similar initiatives across local schools. As a teacher at Granada Hills Charter High School, he has dedicated his career to equipping students with technical skills, real-world experience, and the ability to work collaboratively in high-pressure environments. His leadership has helped students develop expertise in engineering, programming, and teamwork while fostering a culture of sportsmanship—teaching them to win and lose graciously.

Vanderway has played a key role in organizing robotics tournaments in partnership with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation and VEX Robotics Inc., providing students with opportunities to compete at state and world championship levels. His contributions to the robotics community have been widely recognized, earning him the FIRST Woodie Flowers Finalist Award for Los Angeles in 2007 and the FIRST Regional Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2009.

Through his passion for STEM education, Vanderway has inspired and guided countless students toward careers in technology and engineering, shaping the next generation of innovators.