STEAMery Update - April 2026
Spring is a full season here. Our program slate is running across five active initiatives, three new projects are moving into development, and a growing circle of partners, donors, and volunteers is making it possible. Here is what is happening.
Programs in Session
All-Girls Esports Team
Our team for girls in grades 5 through 8 is competing in Rocket League through the EliteGamingLIVE league, with Monday practices at Hard Truth Hills. The season is fully funded at no cost to families thanks to Cummins, Mike and Jaydene Laros, and Steve and Debbie Hackman.
BioTech Club
Fifth graders are working through forensic science labs, owl pellet dissection, pond water microscopy, and DNA extraction with local UCLA scientist Dr. Erin Baker.
Coding Club
Monthly coding sessions continue for K through 5 students. Thank you to Chelsea Busby at Purdue Extension for running these classes.
Youth Art League
Our students are not just making art. They are learning how to sell it. League members are in the middle of a competition where they create original work, price it, tell the story behind it, and put it in front of real buyers. They are learning what it takes to turn creative talent into income: production, presentation, pricing, and the confidence to put your work out in the world.
Funded by Peaceful Valley Heritage and run by Kurt Eagleman at Second Story Studio.
AI Training for Adults
We are offering free AI training for adults through the Career Resource Center. The workshops give working professionals and career changers hands-on experience with the AI tools reshaping how people work, create, and earn a living.
In Development
Community Greenhouse Lab
A wheelchair-accessible hydroponic growing lab in Helmsburg. The greenhouse will use deep water culture systems to grow lettuce and herbs year-round, connecting students with hands-on agriculture science while producing food for local restaurants and food pantries. We are currently waiting on funding confirmation to move forward on this lab.
Programming will include:
K-12 school field visits
4-H and FFA integration
Community garden memberships
Workshops
Project Fish
We are excited to announce Project Fish, a new 10-week workforce development program that teaches adults in Brown County how to build recurring income using AI. It is built for people who need flexible, autonomous income paths, and it requires no prior technology experience.
Thanks to a generous donation from Ashley’s Dream Foundation, Project Fish is fully funded and moving into development.
Thank You
None of this happens without the partners, donors, volunteers, and families who keep showing up for our students and our community. If you want to support what is coming next, visit thesteamery.org.
STEAMery Update - 2026
It All Begins Here
The STEAMery continues to move forward with both near-term programming and long-term planning as we work toward creating a permanent hands-on STEAM education and workforce hub for Brown County.
As of mid 2025, we are a fully established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The STEAMery has secured a relationship with the facility in Helmsburg and is advancing a clear, phased plan for development. Over the past several months, our focus has been intentionally placed on building a strong foundation before entering major capital fundraising. This includes clarifying the building scope, advancing construction planning, and launching early programs so the STEAMery is active, visible, and delivering real impact as we grow.
Programming Momentum
Even before opening the building, the STEAMery is already achieving our mission of "Educate Adventurously" by delivering programming through partnerships and off-site models:
Youth Art League: A new, team-based creative program for middle and high school students modeled after youth sports, focused on collaboration, critique, and entrepreneurial thinking in collaboration with Second Story Studio.
Biotech & BioArt Club: 5th grade hands-on science programming integrated into the school day, blending biology, forensics, microscopy, and art driven by local UCLA researcher, Erin Baker, and Helmsburg science teacher, Jodie Silbaugh. We are also working with Indiana University’s College of Arts and Sciences to host a hands-on spring STEAM field trip for Brown County 5th graders, aligned to the science curriculum and introducing students to genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology through real university labs and experiences.
Coding Club (in partnership with 4-H): A youth coding and computational thinking program that introduces students to programming concepts, problem-solving, and technology pathways in a supportive, hands-on environment led by local Purdue extension agent, Chelsey Busby.
eGaming & Technology Programs: An all-girls competitive youth Rocket League eGaming team for Spring 2026, structured like a traditional sports season with league play, championships, and adult supervision through Elite Gaming Live. The program combines competitive gaming with STEAM and career exploration.
Adult AI Classes (with the CRC): Practical, accessible AI classes for adults focused on understanding and using AI tools for work, business, and everyday applications.
Pop-Up STEAM Classes & Workshops: Short-form classes hosted with local partners in art, culinary, and technology to test demand and shape future in-building programming.These programs allow us to demonstrate demand, build community trust, and ensure the STEAMery opens with proven, active use.
What’s Ahead
Over the coming months, our focus will be on:
Hosting a February 19 open house and walkthrough to share plans and gather early feedback
Completing final construction estimates and defining the full infrastructure scope
Convening a small, invitation-only group of local leaders to anchor the infrastructure phase with a match fund
Preparing for larger capital and grant fundraising once infrastructure numbers are finalized
Continuing to expand and refine youth and workforce programming through community partnerships
Fundraising Progress
To date, the STEAMery has raised $31,750 in donations, with an additional $7,500 currently in progress. These early commitments are helping advance program planning, pilot initiatives, and position the organization for the next phase of infrastructure and capital fundraising.
How the Community Can Be Involved
Spread the word by sharing the STEAMery’s mission and progress with friends, colleagues, and community members
Invite others to attend our upcoming vision walkthroughs to build awareness and understanding
Connect us with potential donors or partners who may be interested in supporting the work
Volunteer to help host events or serve on planning and fundraising committees
Share ideas or help identify opportunities for additional youth and workforce programming throughout the community