How often do you get to hold a freshly manufactured component that will one day be part of an airplane? Recently, seven students from the Washington State University (WSU) ROAR program got to do exactly that.
Last week, ROAR visited Tessera’s manufacturing facility in Auburn, Washington for a hands-on tour with our team. They stepped onto the production floor, saw our processes in action, and got a closer look at the level of detail behind the work we do every day.
About ROAR
WSU ROAR (Responsibility, Opportunity, Advocacy, and Respect) is a Comprehensive Transition Program serving students ages 18 to 26 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program focuses on building independence through academics, career experience, and planning for what comes next after college.
Inside the facility
During the tour, our manufacturing team led the group through the production floor, explaining how work moves through each stage of our facility what it takes to meet the standards our customers rely on. The highlight of the visit was a hands-on kitting activity, where students assembled bolt kits themselves. Students were asking questions, staying engaged, and getting a firsthand sense of what a role in manufacturing can look and feel like.
Why this work matters
At Tessera, our social purpose of creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities is rooted in everything we do. It shows up in our workforce, our partnerships, and experiences like this.
Programs like ROAR are helping students build the skills and confidence to enter the workforce. Visits like this help connect that preparation to real environments and real expectations.
Continuing the partnership with ROAR
Tessera sponsored scholarships for two ROAR students during the 2025–2026 school year and has already committed to continuing that support next year.
Thank you to the students who visited us and to our manufacturing team for taking the time to make it a meaningful experience.