Fueling the Future: SteamRocket Breaks Records in 2024

SteamRocket is celebrating a landmark year. They welcomed 1,691 Coachella Valley youth who participated in STEAM programs, workshops, and events in 2024, surpassing 2023’s achievements. Through coding clubs, robotics clubs, and hands-on science experiences, SteamRocket continues to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of innovators.

“This year’s response has been nothing short of incredible,” said Elle Decker, co-founder of SteamRocket. “Our goal is to make STEAM fun, accessible, and engaging for kids throughout the valley, and it’s clear that families are eager for more. We’re thrilled by the growth and excited for what’s next.”

2024 Highlights

Minecraft Coding Club

The valley’s first Minecraft-based coding club is in its second year and introduces kids to game design and programming.

LEGO Robotics Club

This innovative club, in collaboration with ChangeX and the LEGO Foundation, enables children to design and program robots as part of the FIRST LEGO League Challenge.

micro:bit Coding

Interactive workshops enable children to program microcontrollers, merging creativity with practical tech skills.

Learning Lab on the Move

SteamRocket’s mobile Makerspace Learning Lab introduced STEAM to libraries, schools, and community events, exploring earthquake safety, slime chemistry, Hexbug races, paper circuits, and more.

Plant the Moon and Mars Challenge

SteamRocket partnered with NASA and the Institute of Competition Sciences, enabling children to tackle authentic space and agricultural issues.

Community Collaborations

- Collaborated with Indio, Coachella, and Mecca Libraries to run summer Learning Lab workshops that align with their Summer Reading Programs.

- Launched the first Valley Kids PlayFest in Coachella Valley to honor International Day of Play, facilitated by ChangeX, The LEGO Foundation, Indio Library, and Little Street Music Hall.

- Funding from the City of Indio enabled Learning Lab workshops to continue at Indio Library throughout the fall, increasing opportunities for families in the area.

- During CV Giving Day, SteamRocket's initiative raised over $6,000 to fund free summer workshops for countless children in Coachella Valley.

"Support from the community, local partners, and available grants has been essential to our success," stated Crystal Arellano, chairwoman of SteamRocket. Seeing children excited after completing a project or finding a solution is uplifting. We are proud to nurture that passion for STEAM in our valley.

SteamRocket is already preparing for an exciting 2025. It plans to expand coding clubs, launch new workshops, and offer even more hands-on STEAM experiences to kids across the Coachella Valley.

“We’re only beginning," Elle Decker remarked. "This year is set to be filled with excitement, bold adventures, and fun. However, to realize this goal, we depend on the continuous support of our community."

To support the future of STEAM in the valley, check out SteamRocket’s campaign on Givebutter or contact Crystal Arellano at crystal@steamrocket.co to volunteer or contribute. A small donation can provide coding licenses, materials, and supplies for local children.

“Every dollar matters," remarked Elle Decker. "A donation of just $12 can provide a child with a full year of access to Minecraft: Education Edition and $25 can supply materials for up to 10 kids to join our Learning Lab workshops. Though these amounts may appear modest, they significantly impact our mission."

As SteamRocket looks to 2025, the organization remains committed to ensuring every child in the Coachella Valley has access to innovative, hands-on STEAM education.

For more information about SteamRocket’s programs or to get involved, visit steamrocket.co.

Contact:

Crystal Arellano

crystal@steamrocket.co (no m)