This past Spring, 75 young people from five Philadelphia Out-of-School Time (OST) programs put their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to the test through Public Health Management Corporation’s (PHMC) STEM Club Initiative.

From February through May, youth explored hands-on STEM learning using robotics and renewable energy kits. The club programs included Bit Board, Hydro, Solar, and Wind projects. Along the way, young people learned how science, technology, engineer

ing, and math can be used to solve real-world problems.

PHMC staff worked alongside each provider to design engaging, site-specific activities that encouraged youth to experiment, think critically, and turn their ideas into action.

The initiative concluded on May 8 with an exciting Shark Tank-style showcase at PHMC. Each participating program selected two youth representatives to present their team’s project to a panel of judges. Their presentations highlighted what they had learned about STEM and showcased their newfound ability to identify community challenges and propose thoughtful, innovative solutions.

The Young Innovators event brought together youth from multiple OST programs to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. Whether designing with renewable energy or building robotics projects, every team demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and confidence!

The STEM Club Initiative shows what’s possible when young people are given the tools, guidance, and opportunity to explore. By combining hands-on learning with real-world problem-solving, participants left with stronger STEM skills—and the confidence to imagine themselves as the next generation of innovators.