Summer STEM Programs
Virtual and hands-on classes for youth to learn technology and engineering skills this summer.
All programs are hosted and taught by Danielle Boyer, an Indigenous (Anishinaabe – Enrolled Sault Tribe) youth robotics inventor, educator, and advocate exploring how emerging technologies can be ethically used to safeguard Indigenous cultures and languages. Danielle is the founder of The STEAM Connection, a youth-led nonprofit established in 2019 that has provided more than one million young people worldwide with free, culturally grounded STEM and robotics education.
Danielle is best known for creating the SkoBots, wearable AI-powered language-learning robots designed to help revitalize the endangered Anishinaabemowin language through community-authored data, locally run systems, and principles rooted in Indigenous data sovereignty. Her work explores the intersection of ethical AI, robotics, language preservation, and equitable access to emerging technologies for underserved communities.
Through these programs, students will learn directly from a nationally recognized robotics inventor and educator whose work has been featured internationally. Danielle has spoken at the White House, UNESCO Headquarters, and the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and has been recognized as a National Geographic Young Explorer, Echoing Green Fellow, and two-time MIT Solve Fellow. Her story and work were also featured in an MIT Solve documentary recognized with a Webby Award, Sundance Brand Storytelling Award, Tribeca X Award, and SXSW feature recognition.
These workshops and STEM clubs are designed to make engineering approachable, creative, and empowering for students of all experience levels. Through hands-on, project-based learning, participants will explore robotics, coding, circuitry, CAD design, invention, and emerging technologies while building confidence as creators, problem solvers, and future engineers.
For the first time, tuition is being introduced for select programs in order to help offset the cost of providing free robotics education and shipping robot kits to Indigenous youth in Danielle’s home community at JKL Bahweting Anishnabe School. Program tuition directly supports expanded access to STEM opportunities for Indigenous students who may otherwise face barriers to engineering education and technology access.
Build Your Own Bot
Build Your Own Robot is a hands-on engineering workshop where students become robotics inventors by assembling, wiring, and coding their very own robot to take home and keep. In this interactive program, participants will explore the fundamentals of robotics, electrical engineering, and coding while learning how different components work together to create a functioning autonomous machine.
Students will learn how to safely connect and organize electronic components, understand the basics of motors, sensors, and circuitry, and program their robot to move and respond independently. Through guided instruction and creative problem solving, participants will gain experience with real-world engineering concepts while building confidence in technology and innovation.
As they assemble and test their robots, students will practice troubleshooting, teamwork, and iterative design skills used by engineers and robotics professionals. By the end of the workshop, each participant will leave with a fully assembled and programmed robot they built themselves, along with a foundational understanding of robotics and coding concepts.
This workshop is designed to make robotics approachable, exciting, and empowering for students of all experience levels while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Requirements: Students must have access to a working iPad or laptop with reliable internet access for virtual participation and coding activities.
Cost: Program costs $350 USD per student and includes all engineering materials, hardware, tools, and project supplies required for the class. This fully virtual live-learning experience allows students to participate from home while engaging in hands-on STEM activities, interactive instruction, creative problem solving, and guided engineering support from an experienced robotics educator. Throughout the program, participants will develop technical skills through project-based learning while creating and building their own designs and inventions. All included materials will be shipped directly to each student prior to the start of the program. Enrollment is currently open to participants located in the United States and Canada only.
Multiple Dates Available
6-9th Grade
Multiple Dates Available
Middle School
Learn how to 3D Model and 3D Print
Learn How to 3D Model and 3D Print is a beginner-friendly three-session STEM workshop where students explore the exciting world of computer-aided design (CAD) and digital fabrication. Guided by Danielle Boyer, a SOLIDWORKS Champion representing one of the world’s leading professional CAD software platforms, participants will learn how engineers, inventors, product designers, and robotics teams use 3D modeling to turn ideas into real objects.
Designed for students with little to no technical experience, this workshop introduces the fundamentals of 3D design in a creative and approachable way. Participants will learn how to navigate children's CAD software, create simple digital models, understand the basics of engineering design, and prepare files for 3D printing. Along the way, students will build problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills while discovering how technologies like 3D printing are used in fields ranging from robotics and medicine to animation, architecture, and product development.
By the end of the program, each student will have designed their own custom 3D model. Their final creation will be 3D printed and shipped directly to them to keep.
This workshop empowers young creators to see themselves as designers, inventors, and future engineers while making advanced technology accessible, hands-on, and fun.
Requirements: Students must have access to a working iPad or laptop with reliable internet access for virtual participation and digital design activities.
Cost: Our three session workshop costs $250 dollars with all materials included and a 3D print.
Three-session program tuition is $250 USD per student and includes all engineering materials, hardware, tools, and project supplies required throughout the course. This fully virtual live-learning experience allows students to participate from home while engaging in hands-on STEM activities, interactive instruction, creative problem solving, and guided engineering support from an experienced robotics educator. Throughout the program, participants will develop technical skills through project-based learning while creating and building their own designs and inventions. All included materials will be shipped directly to each student prior to the start of the program. Enrollment is currently open to participants located in the United States and Canada only.
Tiny Tot Circuitry
Circuit Bugs is a hands-on STEM workshop where students explore the exciting world of electrical engineering through creativity, experimentation, and design. Participants will learn the fundamentals of circuitry, including how electricity flows, how to safely connect a battery to an LED light, and how to identify and troubleshoot a complete circuit.
Using simple electronics such as coin cell batteries, copper tape, and LED bulbs, students will design and build their own glowing “circuit bug” creatures using recycled and craft materials. Along the way, participants will practice core engineering and design-thinking skills by imagining, sketching, testing, and improving their creations.
This workshop encourages creativity, sustainability, and confidence in STEM while helping young inventors discover that engineering can be both artistic and accessible. Students will leave with a completed light-up creation they can take home and continue exploring.
Requirements: Students should have access to a clear workspace and reliable internet connection for virtual participation.
Cost: One session is $45 USD per student and includes all engineering materials, hardware, and project supplies needed for the class. This is a fully virtual live-learning experience designed for students to participate from home while receiving hands-on STEM instruction. Materials will be shipped directly to participants. Enrollment is currently available for students located in the United States and Canada only.
June 13th, 2026
Ages 5-7
Every Wednesday Evening, June 17th, 2026 through August 12th, 2026
Middle School
STEM Club
This weekly STEM Club invites students to explore the world of engineering through hands-on projects, creative problem solving, and real-world technology skills. Meeting for one hour each week, participants will learn the foundations of engineering disciplines such as CAD (computer-aided design), electrical engineering, circuitry, coding, 3D printing, prototyping, and design thinking in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Throughout the program, students will receive materials and engineering tools to help them develop their own final animatronics project. Participants will learn how to use a Circuit Playground microcontroller, explore sensors, lights, sound, and motion, and apply their skills to create an interactive invention they can proudly present at the end of the session series.
Designed to empower young inventors of all experience levels, the club encourages creativity, innovation, teamwork, and confidence in STEM while introducing students to emerging technologies and engineering pathways.
Requirements: Students must have access to a working iPad or laptop with reliable internet access for virtual participation and digital design activities.
Cost: Full 8-week semester tuition is $650 USD per student and includes all engineering materials, hardware, and project supplies needed throughout the program. This is a fully virtual live-learning experience designed for students to participate from home while receiving hands-on STEM instruction, mentorship, and guided project support. Materials will be shipped directly to participants. Enrollment is currently available for students located in the United States and Canada only.
Science in our World
Learn to see the science behind everything with youth panelists from The STEAM Connection who have unique perspectives to offer as engineering students, environmental activists, and as future scientists. Students will walk away with heightened critical thinking and problem solving skills to utilize in their everyday lives.
