STEAM Team Summer Scholars

The LEAD Coalition of Bay County’s Summer STEAM Scholars program again provided access to high-quality summer learning experiences for children who might otherwise be unable to participate because of cost. This summer, 30 students participated in the program, receiving scholarships that opened the door to hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

The 2026 program was strengthened by new support from the Rickel Foundation, which joined returning partners The St. Joe Community Foundation and Florida Power & Light (FPL) in investing in STEAM Team scholars. The Rickel Foundation provided $5,000 in new support. These investments, together with other community support, allowed LEAD to continue removing financial barriers to summer enrichment for Bay County students. The program’s scholarship model provides up to approximately $900 per student for summer enrichment opportunities.

The summer began with the STEAM Team scholars orientation sat A. D. Harris Learning Village. During the summer, scholars selected from a variety of camps and enrichment programs based on their interests. At Think Unlimited Academy, students moved beyond simply using technology to becoming creators. They learned basic coding concepts, programmed robots and then put their work into action, demonstrating the robots they had created and programmed. The experience combined coding, engineering, problem-solving and teamwork and gave students an opportunity to see themselves as young scientists, engineers and technology innovators.

Other STEAM Team Summer Scholars explored creativity through programs at the Center for the Arts; learned sailing, water safety and teamwork through the St. Andrews Yacht Club Sailing Camp; and participated in leadership, science and hands-on learning activities through UF/IFAS and other community partners. Together, these experiences demonstrate the program’s broad definition of STEAM learning: a classroom can be a computer lab, an art studio, a boat, a science activity or any place where a young person is challenged to explore, create and solve problems.

The summer concluded with a celebration at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center, where scholars were recognized for their accomplishments. Students received white lab coats, name badges, certificates and backpacks with school supplies, reinforcing both their identity as STEAM scholars and the connection between summer enrichment and success during the school year. Students who participated in the robotics program also demonstrated the robots they had programmed for families and community members.

The 2026 program represents another step in the growth of an initiative that began with only 10 students in 2022 and had grown to more than 30 participants by 2025. LEAD’s long-term approach allows students to return for multiple summers, building skills and confidence as their interests develop. The public program description similarly emphasizes repeated participation, academic growth, confidence and early exposure to future STEAM careers.

Most importantly, STEAM Team Summer Scholars is about access. It gives children opportunities that family finances might otherwise place beyond their reach. Whether a student is writing code, building a robot, creating art, learning to sail or developing leadership skills, the goal remains the same: to expose young people to possibilities, help them discover their abilities and give them experiences that can shape what they believe is possible for their futures.

Summer 2026 demonstrated once again what can happen when a community invests in its children—not simply by telling them to dream, but by giving them opportunities to discover what they can do.

Links:

• https://www.leadabetterlife.org/programs/youth-development/