Programs in Motion: Building The STEAMery, One Lab at a Time

Even before construction begins, The STEAMery is already taking shape through creative partnerships, pilot programs, and early initiatives. Each “lab” represents an area of hands-on learning we’ll eventually host inside the Helmsburg building - and many are already in action across the community.

Below you’ll find the labs currently in progress, showing how we’re building The STEAMery from the inside out.

  • TECHNOLOGY LAB

    4-H Spark Bots Coding Club

    Stage:‍ ‍✅ Active
    The Helmsburg Bots Club introduces students to the world of programming and problem-solving through hands-on digital projects. Designed to spark curiosity and confidence in technology, the club helps students learn the basics of coding, logic, and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment. It aligns with The STEAMery’s mission to make technology learning accessible and engaging for all ages in Brown County.

    Partners/Collaborators: Helmsburg Elementary School teachers, Brown County Schools, Purdue University

    Future Vision: Once The STEAMery’s Technology Lab is complete, the Coding Club will expand into a year-round program offering robotics, game design, and coding challenges that connect local students with real-world tech opportunities and mentors.

    GIVE GOAL: Fully Funded! Thank you, donors!

    Helmsburg Elementary Biotech Club

    Stage: ⚙️ In Development
    The Helmsburg Biotech Club introduces 5th-grade students to real-world science through creative, hands-on labs in biology and biotechnology. Led by Dr. Erin Baker, students explore topics like DNA extraction, forensic science, and owl pellet dissections while learning observation, documentation, and the scientific method. The program brings The STEAMery’s mission to life by making STEM learning accessible, engaging, and connected to everyday curiosity.

    Partners/Collaborators: Helmsburg Elementary, Dr. Erin Baker, Purdue University.

    Future Vision: Once The STEAMery building is open, the Biotech & BioArt Lab will expand into a full community science space — offering youth research workshops, bio-inspired art projects, and family lab nights that blend science, creativity, and discovery.

    GIVE GOAL: $3,500 - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/stem-materials-for-5th-grade-science

    Brown County e-Gaming Team

    Stage: ⚙️ In Development
    The e-Gaming & STEM Team brings competitive gaming and technology learning together for students in grades 1–8. Through weekly practices and game days, girls develop teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills while exploring how science, technology, and creativity intersect. This program reflects The STEAMery’s mission to make hands-on, community-based learning accessible and exciting for every student in Brown County.

    Partners/Collaborators: Brown County Parks & Recreation, local schools, Elite Gaming Live, and community restaurant hosts.

    Future Vision: Once The STEAMery building opens, the team will train and compete in a dedicated digital media lab equipped for gaming, streaming, and coding - creating a year-round space where youth can learn, lead, and connect through technology.

    GIVE GOAL: $12,000 - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/power-up-the-e-gaming-league-equipment-and-curriculum-fund

  • ART LAB

    Brown County Youth Art League

    Stage: ⚙️ In Development
    The Brown County Youth Art League is a weekly after-school program that helps local students explore creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurship through hands-on art projects. Hosted at Second Story Studio and supported by The STEAMery, the program turns art into real-world learning experiences through collaborative projects, gallery nights, and community showcases. It brings youth, artists, and educators together to make creativity a shared community endeavor.

    Partners/Collaborators: Second Story Studio, Brown County Parks & Recreation, Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement (IU CRE).

    Future Vision: Once The STEAMery building opens, the Youth Art League will expand into a full community studio and exhibition space where young artists collaborate with local mentors, use digital design tools, and develop creative businesses that sustain the local arts economy.

    GIVE GOAL: $2,500 - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/fund-the-youth-art-league-supplies-stipends-and-success

  • CULINARY LAB

    Brown County Youth Culinary Competition Team

    Stage: 💡 Idea
    The Brown County Youth Culinary Competition Team is an early-stage concept designed to inspire young chefs through friendly, hands-on cooking challenges. The idea is to give local students a chance to learn culinary techniques, teamwork, and creativity while celebrating the region’s food culture and restaurant community. This program will extend The STEAMery’s mission by turning the kitchen into a classroom where learning happens through taste, skill, and collaboration.

    Partners/Collaborators: Local restaurant owners, chefs, and hospitality partners (to be identified).

    Future Vision: Once The STEAMery’s Culinary Lab is open, the competition team could train in a professional-grade teaching kitchen and host annual events that draw families, visitors, and future culinary leaders from across Indiana.