On July 14 at the Lealman Exchange, between 125 and 150 Lealman-area youth will measure, hunt, pour, calculate, observe, taste, and overall have a hands-on good time with STEAM activities. Then they’ll engage in a fun-filled Trivial Pursuit-style competition to share their learnings.
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics– all subjects that help prepare students for a wide range of careers, general life competency, and enjoyment.
The STEAM Day Camp will engage young hands and brains in activities at 6 workstations sponsored and created by experts with a passion for STEAM education. Students will explore topics related to environmental sustainability via hands-on labs and scavenger hunts that cultivate math, engineering, and artistic skills.
The Jacobs company is the principal sponsor, along with Pinellas County government and the St. Petersburg Foundation. Jacobs is a science, technology, planning, and engineering company with more than 60,000 employees globally. They are working on regional infrastructure projects, including work at Joe’s Creek adjacent to the Lealman Exchange. Jacobs has a commitment to education and public service in the communities where they are working, but there is also important self-interest involved in the day camp.
The Jacobs company knows that communities need an adequate number of workers and citizens with STEAM skills to be vibrant and competitive. That all starts with exposure to experiences and learning that inspires pursuit of education in they the arts, sciences, and math, and subsequent proficiency in technology, engineering, and creativity.
“STEAM and sustainability are at the heart of our business, and we are united in developing and delivering a global STEAM education and engagement program that demonstrates our commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity,” said Tricia Shuler, a communty partnership and client services lead at Jacobs. Community Partnership Lead | Client Services Lead.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Pinellas County and the Lealman Exchange to provide children in the community a fun day of hands-on STEAM activities!” she added.
Students enrolled in the STEAM Day Camp have been recruited from a variety of Lealman-based organizations in order to give local kids some summer enrichment. These include the YMCA summer camp at the Lealman Exchange, Police Athletic League, Lealman Asian and Family Services, and the Duvall Apartments, whose community director sought out the opportunity for youth residing at the nearby complex.
Youth will enjoy lunch, t-shirts, fun swag, and a day of camaraderie, learning, and fun. Limited spaces for young people (accompanied by an adult) are available. Contact Lealman Exchange Engagement Director, Amy Cianci, for details.