NE STEAM Coalition

05/08/2026

It’s STEM Week, and we’re continuing our series: STEAM Builds Climate Futures.

Today’s letter is A — Arts for Advocacy and Awareness.

For this project, youth explored proper electronics disposal and what it means for their communities. Then they worked with artists to turn those ideas into shirt designs that could carry the message beyond the classroom and into the community.

Art matters in climate justice because people need more than information. They need stories, images, symbols, and messages that feel connected to their lives.

We are grateful for the artists who helped translate youth learning into designs that people can see, wear, and share.

At NE STEAM, art is part of how young people make meaning, build voice, and help their communities talk about climate action.

05/06/2026

For your college bound seniors.

Applications close in just two weeks! If you know a graduating senior who hasn’t applied yet, please share this opportunity with them.

Please note: applicants must have participated in at least one BB2S program to be eligible.

05/06/2026

It’s STEM Week, and we’re continuing our series:

Today’s letter is "E" - Engineering Clean Energy Pathways.

Sometimes engineering starts with something as simple as marshmallows, sticks, and a challenge: Can you build a structure that stands?

In this activity, youth practiced the same habits engineers use in the real world: designing, testing, troubleshooting, adapting, and making something fit for purpose.

Those skills matter far beyond one project. Clean energy, efficient buildings, transportation electrification, environmental technology, and green infrastructure all need people who can solve problems, work with materials, test ideas, and improve systems.

At NE STEAM, hands-on projects help Black and BIPOC youth see engineering as something they can touch, build, test, and lead — from a marshmallow tower today to climate pathways tomorrow.

05/05/2026

It’s STEM Week, and we’re continuing our series: STEAM Builds Climate Futures

Today’s letter is T- Technology.

For our permacomputing camp pilot, youth learned that technology does not have to be disposable. They opened up computers, explored the parts inside, practiced refurbishing older devices, installed open-source tools, and used those computers for 3D printing projects.

Permacomputing asks us to think differently about the tools we use every day. Instead of always replacing devices, what if young people learned how to repair, maintain, reuse, and extend the life of technology?

That is what this pilot was about: hands-on learning, climate awareness, digital access, and helping youth see themselves as problem-solvers in a changing world.

05/05/2026

It’s STEM Week, and we’re kicking off a new series: STEAM Builds Climate Futures.

Today’s letter is S — Science.

In this project, youth looked at how electronics are disposed of in their own communities. They explored what happens when phones, computers, tablets, and other devices are treated as disposable and how those choices impact their community.

Then they worked with artists to turn what they learned into shirt designs created for their community.

04/30/2026

Great opportunity at Vernon.

We will be at Vernon Elementary for another great stem night! Day One will introduce a whole new rc track!

04/29/2026

Hello family and friends! It’s been a while, but we’re so excited to see you all again!! 💛

Drop-in hours are back, and we can’t wait to reconnect, create, and have fun together. Come join us, bring your creativity, and feel free to stop by anytime during our open hours!

04/28/2026

A great day to connect with providers.

Today is the day, Portland — STEMFest 2026 with OIC of America, Inc. is LIVE! 🚀🔬

Haven't registered yet? No worries, same-day registration is available at the door! Just show up at the Tony Hopson, Sr. Center for Self Enhancement, 3920 N Kerby Ave, anytime between 12 and 5pm. FREE for Pre-K–12 students. Come curious, leave inspired. We can't wait to see you! 🌟

04/10/2026

Amazing Opportunity on the 18th. Get registered today.

04/02/2026

BIG moment for space exploration!

Today we celebrate the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission in NASA’s return to the Moon. This mission is a huge step toward putting humans back on the lunar surface and eventually heading to Mars.

What makes this even more exciting? The next generation is watching, learning, and imagining themselves in these roles.

If you’ve got young people at home (or in your programs), NASA has some awesome, free resources to spark curiosity:

👩🏽‍🚀 NASA Kids’ Club: https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub
🧪 STEM activities & games: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov

Let’s use moments like this to connect youth to real-world STEM pathways — because the future of space exploration should look like all of us.

NASA’s award-winning Space Place website engages upper-elementary-aged children in space and Earth science through interactive games, hands-on activities, fun articles and short videos. With material in both English and Spanish and numerous resources for kids, parents and teachers, Space Place has...