Free STEAM summer camp gives CSRA middle schoolers hands-on learning experience

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — A free summer opportunity is coming to the CSRA, giving middle school students hands-on access to science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

Full STEAM Ahead Summer Camp will take place June 1 through June 5 at Paine College’s HEAL Center. The camp will serve 75 middle school students across the region and is completely free, including meals, snacks, and materials.

The program is led by the Imani Group, Inc. and is made possible through funding support from the T.D. Jakes Foundation.

Organizers say the camp is built on partnership. Collaborating organizations include Williams Memorial CME Church, Mt. Zion Community Outreach, Grieving Families Against Violence, and Positive Outcomes, all working together to expand access to summer enrichment for local youth.

The hands-on learning will be powered in part by STE(A)M Truck, a mobile learning program that has provided interactive STEAM education since 2013. The program brings technology, engineering, coding, digital fabrication, and creative problem-solving directly to students through an interactive mobile setup.

Campers will rotate through activities like coding, robotics, engineering projects, science experiments, digital media, and virtual learning experiences designed to introduce them to STEM careers in a real-world way.

Organizers also point to Paine College as a key partner, providing space on campus and helping expose students to a college environment early in their academic journey.

“This camp is about more than academics,” said Rev. Brendolyn Jenkins Boseman, executive director of The Imani Group and senior pastor of Williams Memorial CME Church. “It is about exposure, opportunity, confidence-building, and helping our youth see themselves as innovators, creators, problem-solvers, and future leaders.”

The program is designed to reach students across the community in a safe, structured, and engaging environment during the summer months.

Registration information is available through organizers, and space is limited.