Developing Young People Through STEM
The Y is helping all children reach their full potential by supporting their unique youth development journeys. At more than 1,000 YMCA sites nationwide, kids are engaged in year-round STEM activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity and teach them how to succeed.
Kids who participate in STEM activities:
- Learn how to solve problems
- Develop critical-thinking skills
- Become comfortable with failure and trying again
- Learn to work successfully in teams
- Develop self-confidence
- Are able to see themselves in STEM careers
Learn how the Y is supporting equity in STEM to help every kid advance!
STEM for All
Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM careers (such as computer scientists, engineers, biologists and more) — but the Y is here to change that. By incorporating fair and equitable practices into our programming, we're helping young leaders understand the positive impact they can have by promoting gender equity in STEM.
Program Dates and Activities
- June 6-June 27: Earth Space (Registration opens April 1)
- July 11-Aug 1: Electricity (Registration opens May 1)
- Aug 8-Aug 29: Space (Registration opens June 1)
- Sept 5-Sept 26: Robotics (Registration opens July 1)
- Oct 3-Oct 17: Electricity (Registration opens Aug 1)
- Oct 24-Nov 21: Chemistry (Registration opens Sept 1)
- Dec 5-19: Robotics (Registration opens Oct 1)
Parent & Child Program for Ages 6-12
- Activities are structured to inspire kids to get involved with STEM!
Program Cost
- $20 per Session
STEM Stories
See a similar YMCA STEM program on the Left
Watch what happens when you combine STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concepts with Legos, as Maridee builds working robots in the Valparaiso Family YMCA’s Lego Mindstorm program. Before learning about engineering at the Y, Maridee thought science was boring — now, she’s a proud lover of science and technology.