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STEAAM

Program Overview

  • Thrive Philly's flagship year-round enrichment program for teen girls in Philadelphia
  • Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Activism, and Mathematics
  • Sisterhood, wellness, and mentorship from Black women already doing the work
  • Two seasons of programming across the year
SScience
TTechnology
EEngineering
AArts
AActivism
MMathematics

For Students

  • Project-based learning with real-world impact
  • Mentor panels with Black women in STEAAM fields
  • Museum trips and on-site wellness with Pretty Fit Philly
  • Sisterhood with a cohort of girls across Philly
  • Transportation support and safe rides home

For Parents & Guardians

  • Weekly communication and clear deadlines
  • Report-card and progress checkpoints
  • Permission slips and trip details in advance
  • Parent-friendly contact line for every staff member
  • End-of-program survey and family showcase

For Community Members

  • Supported by funders, mentors, and volunteers across Philly
  • Fund a session or sponsor a cohort
  • Join a mentor panel in your field
  • Chaperone a museum trip or field day

Get involved →

Fall season

Fall Interest Meeting

  • Join our fall session before STEAAM Wednesdays begin
  • Meet the team and tour the space
  • Get every question answered before you apply
5:00 PM Thrive Career Café · 504 Cecil B. Moore Ave Light refreshments served

Our Programs — Two Seasons, One Sisterhood

  • STEAAM runs year-round with two distinct seasons
  • Students can join one or both — and many do
Wed
FALL
Sep–Mar
STEAAM Wednesdays
Every Wednesday · 4:30–7:30 PM · Sep 2026 – Mar 2027
Sisterhood STEAAM Panel Wellness Trip
  • - Weekly afterschool program built on sisterhood circles
  • - Hands-on STEAAM modules each session
  • - Mentor panels with Black women in industry
  • - Local museum trips throughout the season
  • - On-site wellness sessions with Pretty Fit Philly
  • ~28 Wednesday sessions across the school year
  • - Quarterly museum and field trips
  • - Monthly mentor panel with Black women in STEAAM
  • - Built-in homework and report-card checkpoints
  • - Capstone Expo and family showcase in March
Schedule: See the Wednesday passport below.
T/Th
SUM
Jun–Sep
Summer Bridge
Tues/Thurs + monthly Saturdays · Jun 16 – Sep 30, 2026
STEAAM Mentors Field Trips Wellness
  • - A 13-week summer intensive keeping girls engaged all summer
  • - Mentored and connected to trusted adults
  • - Positive peer culture built into every session
  • - Clear pathways to opportunity
  • - Tues/Thurs core programming — coding, design, wellness, leadership tracks
  • - Monthly Saturday field trips (HBCU visits, museum days)
  • - Mid-summer Career Café Brunch with mentors and employer partners
  • - Flourish Fest — community celebration in late July
  • - Capstone Showcase and certificates at the close
  • - Stipends, transportation assistance, trauma-informed support
Schedule: See the Philly Passport below.

Fall Schedule — Wednesday Passport

Tap the passport to flip it open and browse month by month.

STEAAM SISTERHOOD
Thrive Philly — Student Passport
November 2025

September 2025 — Foundations & Community (Recap)

Wed
All
Sep 2025
Foundations & Community
Sisterhood agreements, STEAAM orientation, first builds, weekly exit tickets
SisterhoodSTEAAM

October 2025 — Core Modules & Mentors (Recap)

Wed
All
Oct 2025
Core Modules & Mentors
Coding and design sprints; first mentor panel; museum preview
STEAAMPanelTrip

November 2025

Wed
12
Nov 2025
Wellness — Pilates @ Pretty Fit Philly
Pilates session with instructor · mobility and core
WellnessCheckpoint
Time: 4:30–7:30 PM · Where: On-site — Pretty Fit Philly
Checkpoint: Collect report cards and 1-minute survey.
Wed
19
Nov 2025
Environmental Science — Air Quality Sensors
Build and data walk
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Wed
26
Nov 2025
Gratitude and Wellness
Gratitude circle · light yoga and breathwork (holiday week)
Wellness
Where: On-site

December 2025

Wed
3
Dec 2025
Creative Coding
Intro to Python · mini-project
STEAAM
Where: On-site (laptops)
Wed
10
Dec 2025
Wellness @ Pretty Fit Philly
Strength and mobility · rest and recovery
Wellness
Where: On-site — Pretty Fit Philly
Wed
17
Dec 2025
Panel: Black Women in STEAAM
Tech and engineering careers · Q&A · speed mentoring
Panel
Where: On-site
Wed
24
Dec 2025
Winter Break — No Program
Optional reflection prompt
Break
Where: —
Wed
31
Dec 2025
Winter Break — No Program
Optional service micro-project (1 hr)
Break
Where: —

January 2026

Wed
7
Jan 2026
Biomedical + Ethics of AI in Health
Heart-rate monitors · discussion
STEAAMBrief
Where: On-site
Wed
14
Jan 2026
Local Museum Trip
Exhibit investigation and sketch notes
Trip
Where: Off-site museum — slips due Jan 7
Wed
21
Jan 2026
Sisterhood Deep-Dive
Leadership styles and vision boards
Sisterhood
Where: On-site
Wed
28
Jan 2026
Wellness @ Pretty Fit Philly
Cardio boxing · mindfulness cooldown
Wellness
Where: On-site — Pretty Fit Philly

February 2026

Wed
4
Feb 2026
Engineering Design Sprint
Human-centered design and prototyping
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Wed
11
Feb 2026
Panel: Black Women in STEAAM
Research and academia pathways · Graduate school overview
Panel
Where: On-site
Wed
18
Feb 2026
Data + Art Storytelling
Data-visualization posters and storytelling with numbers
STEAAMDeadline
Where: On-site
Checkpoint: Final appointments should be scheduled by today.
Wed
25
Feb 2026
Local Museum Trip
Science History Institute or Barnes Foundation study
Trip
Where: Off-site museum — slips due Feb 18

March 2026

Wed
4
Mar 2026
Robotics Lab
Microcontrollers and team challenges
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Wed
11
Mar 2026
Wellness @ Pretty Fit Philly
Mobility and yoga flow · nutrition chat
Wellness
Where: On-site — Pretty Fit Philly
Wed
18
Mar 2026
Panel and Portfolio Night
Founders panel · resume/LinkedIn studio
Panel
Where: On-site
Wed
25
Mar 2026
Capstone Expo and Celebration
Project demos · family showcase · certificates
SisterhoodCheckpoint
Where: On-site
Checkpoint: Collect report cards and end-of-program survey.

Summer Schedule — Philly Passport

Tap the passport to flip it open and browse Summer Bridge month by month.

PHILLY PASSPORT
Thrive Philly — Summer Bridge 2026
June 2026

June 2026 — Foundations Week

Mon
15
Jun 2026
Acceptance Notifications
Accepted students and families notified by email
Milestone
Watch your inbox. Onboarding packet follows acceptance.
Tue
16
Jun 2026
Launch & Sisterhood Welcome
Cohort intros, sisterhood agreements, summer overview
Sisterhood
Where: Thrive Career Café
Thu
18
Jun 2026
Code & Create — Python Intro
First builds with code · pair programming
STEAAM
Where: On-site (laptops provided)
Tue
23
Jun 2026
Design Thinking Workshop
Human-centered design · empathy mapping
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Thu
25
Jun 2026
Wellness @ Pretty Fit Philly
Movement and breath · summer wellness intro
Wellness
Where: Pretty Fit Philly
Sat
27
Jun 2026
Field Trip — HBCU Campus Day
All-day campus visit · panel with current students
Trip
Where: Off-site — permission slips due Jun 23
Tue
30
Jun 2026
Mentor Panel — Black Women in Tech
Career stories · Q&A · speed mentoring
Panel
Where: On-site

July 2026 — Build & Connect

Thu
2
Jul 2026
Engineering Design Sprint
Prototype-to-pitch in one session
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Tue
7
Jul 2026
Wellness Reset
Post-holiday yoga and mindfulness
Wellness
Where: Pretty Fit Philly
Thu
9
Jul 2026
Data Storytelling
Charts that change minds · data-viz studio
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Tue
14
Jul 2026
Career Café Brunch
Mentors + employer partners · brunch and networking
MentorsSignature
Where: Thrive Career Café · families invited
Thu
16
Jul 2026
Robotics Lab
Microcontrollers and team challenges
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Tue
21
Jul 2026
Activism — Voice & Advocacy
Storytelling, civic engagement, and community organizing 101
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Thu
23
Jul 2026
Flourish Fest Prep
Final rehearsal and booth setup
Sisterhood
Where: On-site
Sat
25
Jul 2026
🎉 Flourish Fest
Community celebration · open to families and neighbors
SignatureTrip
Where: Outdoor venue · all-day event
Families welcome. RSVP required.
Tue
28
Jul 2026
Creative Arts Studio
Visual art + audio storytelling project
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Thu
30
Jul 2026
Mentor Speed Networking
5-minute rotations with 6+ mentors
Mentors
Where: Thrive Career Café

August 2026 — Capstone Build

Tue
4
Aug 2026
Capstone Project Kickoff
Pitch your idea · form working groups
STEAAMKickoff
Where: On-site
Thu
6
Aug 2026
Wellness @ Pretty Fit Philly
Strength training · self-care plans
Wellness
Where: Pretty Fit Philly
Tue
11
Aug 2026
Build Day — Capstone
Working session with mentor check-ins
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Thu
13
Aug 2026
Mentor Panel — STEM Careers
Engineering, biomed, and research pathways
Panel
Where: On-site
Sat
15
Aug 2026
Field Trip — Cultural Site
Local museum or cultural institution day
Trip
Where: Off-site — slips due Aug 11
Tue
18
Aug 2026
Capstone Workshop
Storyboarding and presentation craft
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Thu
20
Aug 2026
Build Day — Capstone
Working session · mentor critique
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Tue
25
Aug 2026
Mindfulness & Wellness
Stress management before back-to-school
Wellness
Where: On-site
Thu
27
Aug 2026
Capstone Polish
Final feedback round before September showcase
STEAAM
Where: On-site

September 2026 — Showcase & Sisterhood

Tue
1
Sep 2026
Final Mentor Panel
Alumnae stories · life after STEAAM
Panel
Where: On-site
Thu
3
Sep 2026
Capstone Dress Rehearsal
Full run-through with timing
STEAAM
Where: On-site
Tue
8
Sep 2026
Showcase Prep
Setup logistics and family invites
Prep
Where: On-site
Thu
10
Sep 2026
Wellness Closeout
Reflection movement and gratitude circle
Wellness
Where: Pretty Fit Philly
Sat
12
Sep 2026
Sisterhood Circle
All-cohort reflection and intention-setting
Sisterhood
Where: Off-site retreat space
Tue
15
Sep 2026
Reflection & Vision
What I learned · what's next
Sisterhood
Where: On-site
Thu
17
Sep 2026
Closing Ceremony Prep
Final logistics and family check-ins
Prep
Where: On-site
Sat
26
Sep 2026
🎓 Graduation Showcase
Capstone demos · family celebration · certificates
SisterhoodSignature
Where: Thrive Career Café
Families and community invited.
Wed
30
Sep 2026
Program Close
End-of-program survey · final stipends · cohort photo
Checkpoint
Where: On-site

Who STEAAM Is For

Girls Self-identifying
Ages 13–18 Middle & high school
C+ or above Current grades
Philly residents Must live in Philadelphia
  • Grades a little lower right now? Reach out anyway
  • We believe in growth and we'll talk with your family about fit

Submit Your Interest

  • Tell us a little about yourself
  • Summer Bridge acceptance decisions communicated by June 15, 2026
  • Parents and guardians are looped in from the first email
  • Want to learn more in person first? Join our Interest Meeting on Sep 8, 5:00 PM at Thrive Career Café
Student Information

Used to confirm age 13–18.

STEAAM is exclusively for Philadelphia residents. Must be a Philly ZIP (191xx).

Contact

Optional. We text reminders.

Parent or Guardian
Tell Us About You

A few sentences is fine. Tell us what draws you to the program, what you'd hope to learn, or who you'd want to become through it.

0 / 200 minimum characters
Consent & Acknowledgement

We'll confirm receipt by email within 2 business days. Final Summer Bridge acceptance decisions sent by June 15, 2026. Questions? Email info@thrivephilly.org.

Common Questions

When will I know if I'm accepted?

Summer Bridge acceptance decisions are communicated by June 15, 2026. Fall Wednesday program decisions go out in mid-August. Either way, you'll hear from us by email — and so will your parent/guardian.

Do I need to attend an Interest Meeting?

No, it's not required — but it helps. We host it September 8 at 5:00 PM. Coming to the meeting lets you meet the team, see the space, and get questions answered before you commit. Families are warmly welcomed to attend with you.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. STEAAM is free for accepted students. Summer Bridge participants receive stipends and transportation support; Wednesday program students receive safe rides home after dark.

What if my grades dip below C+ during the program?

We don't kick anyone out for a tough semester. We do require an honest report-card checkpoint each quarter so we can pair you with tutoring support if needed.

Do I have to live in Philadelphia?

Yes. STEAAM is exclusively for girls who live in Philadelphia. We ask for your ZIP code on the interest form to confirm residency.

Can I apply for both Fall and Summer?

Yes — and we love when girls stay through the full year. Just pick "Both" on the interest form. Many of our strongest cohorts come from year-round students.

I'm a parent — how do I get involved?

Start with the September 8 Interest Meeting — families are welcome. Parents and guardians are also invited to the family showcase, capstone events, and quarterly check-ins. We have a parent volunteer pathway too — email info@thrivephilly.org.

Help STEAAM Thrive

  • STEAAM runs because our community shows up
  • Cover a session, mentor a cohort, or chaperone a field trip
  • Every contribution builds a Philly girl's future
Fund a Session Volunteer 💜

Questions about funding levels or volunteer pathways? Email info@thrivephilly.org.