This summer, Pressley STEM Foundation finished its 3-day Boot Camp program which ran from July 7-9 at its Satellite Lab at Mt. Zion UMC in North Philadelphia. The initiative, founded by Carolyn Pressley, Lay Leader of Mt. Zion UMC, is designed to give local students hands-on access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Satellite Lab provides year-round workshops, mentorship, robotics challenges, and a dedicated laboratory space where students can explore real STEM projects. The program reflects Mt. Zion UMC’s commitment to serving as both a spiritual home and a community innovation hub, expanding educational equity and empowering youth with skills that prepare them for future careers. The Satellite Lab has already begun transforming student engagement and stands as a model for how faith-based institutions can lead in STEM advancement.

This year’s annual bootcamp program, the second one for Pressley STEM, gave students hands-on experience in semiconductor design and microchip programming.

Students were given instruction and definitions regarding semiconductors and worked as a team to successfully design. Over the course of three days students gained confidence in their ability for critical thinking and learned how to program microchips. Instructors who ran the event, themselves scientists, provided guidance and taught skills needed to help students become passionate about science and technology education.

Building on the success of the STEM Bootcamp program, the group was invited on the second day to take the boot camp to the streets, literally. The John F. Street Community Center invited our students to visit and share what they had learned on the first day of the boot camp.

Pressley STEM students taught more than 30 students at the Community Center how to design semiconductors and program microchips. By the end of the event, the Community Center students were programming their own microchips and designing semiconductors. The John F. Street Community Center is in the heart of North Philadelphia. We thank the directors and staff of the Community Center for generously allowing us the opportunity to share with their students.

“This was a great opportunity to go out into the community and show what kids can do with STEM activities,” said Mrs. Carolyn Pressley, Pressley STEM Foundation CEO. “We are passionate about being part of the community, spreading awareness and the joy of science to all kids who are interested in learning.”

Special recognition goes to the following students for participating in the Pressley Family STEM Foundation Boot Camp 2026: Dayvon Brinson, Asiyah Bronner, Kaedon Corey, Nahla Kersey, Allure Preston, Carter Ravenell, and Camari Taylor. Well done, scholars!

After seeing how engaged the students were, Resident Council of Richard Allen Holmes, Ms. Wysena Williams, invited the Foundation back to continue showing children that science can be fun.

On July 29, The Pressley Family STEM Foundation returned to the John F. Street Community Center and scholar Dayvon Brinson demonstrated how to create model volcanoes. The children then created their own volcanoes, turning the lesson into an engaging and exciting hands-on experience. Ms. Williams said, “This kind of collaboration between the John F. Street Community Center and nonprofit organizations such as the Pressley Family STEM Foundation is invaluable to our children, families, and communities.” She added that she looks forward to continued coordination with the Foundation through Science Saturdays and other opportunities that give community children deeper exposure to STEM.

The Pressley Family STEM Foundation thanks Ms. Williams for recognizing its work in the community and for her willingness to collaborate as a valued partner.

The foundation is growing and needs volunteers. Students are invited to become student teachers.

About John F. Street Community Center: The John F. Street Community Center (located at 1100 Poplar Street, Philadelphia, PA) is a vibrant Philadelphia Housing Authority Neighborhood Networks Center offering a variety of educational, employment, and social programs for local residents.

About Pressley STEM Foundation (www.pressleystem.org): Pressley STEM Foundation is a nonprofit based in North Philadelphia dedicated to inspiring and empowering children and teens ages 7–17 through hands-on STEM programs and activities. The organization is best known for its Science Saturday classes, held on the last Saturday of each month and for their annual Boot Camp, offering kids a safe, fun environment to build confidence and creativity while learning.

For more information email us at: pressleystemfoundation@gmail.com or call (267) 279-9794.