An amazing three-day STEM Youth Explorers Academy July 10-13 provided an immersive opportunity for hands-on learning, collaboration and teamwork for 54 students from 28 middle schools from Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties thanks to scholarships provided by 20 Rotary Clubs.

A celebration dinner, science fair and recognition ceremony July 13 displayed the students’ Mars Habitat projects with their parents and friends. The program featured comments from Dr. Laurie McMillan, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Kutztown University. Students received a certificate and class picture from Rotary District 7430 District Governor Mary Cook.

STEM YEA is a Rotary District-7430 wide cooperation, formed by an exploratory team of Rotarians with various skill sets to develop and implement an opportunity for students interested in STEM. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence developed the curriculum. STEM YEA delivers more than science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts. This enriching opportunity for students develops a variety of skill sets that a rapidly changing world needs.

“The Rotary District 7430 is grateful for the Rotarian volunteers collaborating to make this academy experience for youth who may not have an opportunity such as this,” said Gwenn Carr, STEM YEA program manager. “Together, we have created an event helping to shape the future for our youth by providing not only the STEM YEA experience but also the gateway to other Rotary Youth Leadership Award programs.”

Plans are already underway for 2026 STEM YEA July 9-12, 2026, at Kutztown University. For more information, visit www.STEMYEA.com.

Rotary District 7430 offers a variety of youth focused programs designed to develop leadership skills, promote service, and foster global citizenship. If you are interested in learning more about Rotary District 7430 and its impact visit its website at www.rotarydistrict7430.org.

Rotary District 7430 has 45 Rotary Clubs in Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change in their communities and in themselves. Rotary members share a unique passion to act on the world’s most persistent issues.