Summer STEAM returns in 2026 with eight weeks of programming for Youth 13-17. Review details and apply at the links below. Contact us at info@makerspacect.com with any questions.
APPLY NOWProgram Information
GENERAL INFO
Summer STEAM is open to CT Teens Ages 13-17 and is free to attend. MakerspaceCT has 8-weeks of programs for you to choose from in July and August. When you apply, you will be given the opportunity to select your top three choices for program weeks. However, please keep in mind that we will not be able to offer more than one program week per applicant.
Space is limited and programs may fill up at any time. When programs are full, we will keep waitlists.
2026 Program Offerings
Explore the exciting STEAM programs we're offering this year
Virtual Reality and Innovation
Explore virtual reality used in art, fabrication, and industry. Work in immersive environments for design, training, simulation, safety planning, and storytelling using VR hardware and software.
3D Printing - Week A*
Learn to prepare files, operate 3D printers, and understand basic material properties. Create and take home printed objects while exploring the fundamentals of additive manufacturing.
Sumo Robot Building - Week A*
Design, build, and program autonomous sumo robots. Learn motors, sensors, electronics, and coding, then test your bots in friendly but competitive hands-on matches.
3D Printing - Week B*
Learn to prepare files, operate 3D printers, and understand basic material properties. Create and take home printed objects while exploring the fundamentals of additive manufacturing.
Sumo Robot Building - Week B*
Design, build, and program autonomous sumo robots. Learn motors, sensors, electronics, and coding, then test your bots in friendly but competitive hands-on matches.
Fashion & Sewing
Design original fashion pieces and custom accessories. Learn sewing as a fabrication discipline while exploring design methods, precision, safety, and craftsmanship through hands-on work.
Skateboard Construction
Build custom skateboard decks using veneering, gluing, laser cutting, and etching. Finish with woodworking tools and personalize boards with art and vinyl using Roarocket kits.
Drones & Autonomous Flight
Explore flight principles with wind tunnels, powered paper planes, and drones. Hands-on experiments and guest speakers lead into professional instruction on drone flight skills.
Summer STEAM Highlights
Watch a few video highlights from Summer STEAM 2025
Our Location
Summer STEAM is offered by MakerspaceCT in Hartford.
Location: 36 Talcott Street, Hartford, CT 06103
Program Details
Click on each program to see detailed descriptions
Week 1: Virtual Reality and Innovation
Students explore virtual reality as a tool used in art, fabrication, and industry. Participants engage with immersive environments for design visualization, workforce training, simulation, safety planning, and storytelling. Instruction focuses on how VR is applied in real world professional settings to communicate ideas, test concepts, and solve practical problems. Students gain hands on experience with VR hardware and software while learning about spatial design and user centered applications.
Week 2 or 4: 3D Printing (each program week is identical)
Participants are introduced to 3D printing fundamentals. Students learn how to prepare files for printing, operate 3D printers, and understand basic material properties. Instruction emphasizes printer setup, monitoring prints, troubleshooting common failures, and safe equipment use. Each participant completes printed objects and gains familiarity with additive manufacturing workflows.
Week 3 or 5: Sumo Robotics (each program week is identical)
Students design, build, and program autonomous sumo robots. Instruction covers motors, sensors, electronics, and basic programming. Participants test their robots through guided challenges that emphasize iteration, troubleshooting, and competitive matches. Teamwork and persistence are reinforced through hands-on robotics activities.
Week 6: Fashion & Sewing Technology
Participants explore fashion and sewing as a fabrication discipline. Students learn pattern reading, material selection, sewing machine operation, and construction techniques. Projects emphasize precision, safety, and craftsmanship while highlighting the role of textiles in manufacturing. Each student completes a wearable or functional textile based project.
Week 7: Skateboard Design & Construction
Students design and build custom skateboards. Instruction covers materials, deck shaping, pressing or assembly methods, and finishing techniques. Participants apply safe tool use, measurement, and fabrication practices to produce completed skateboards.
Week 8: Drones & Autonomous Flight
Participants explore drones and autonomous flight through hands on activities. Instruction introduces flight principles, control systems, safety protocols, and responsible operation. Students participate in guided flight exercises while learning about real world applications such as inspection, mapping, and public service.
*The same program content will be contained in Weeks "A" and "B" of 3D Printing and Sumo Robotics. If you interested in either of these programs, please apply for the week that will work best with your schedule.
Questions?
If you have questions or need help with the application, please contact us.
Contact UsAbout MakerspaceCT
MakerspaceCT is a program of McEIVR, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Our mission is to positively impact lives by enabling access, innovation, and education.
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