SteamRocket Launches Cosmic Cartographers, a First-of-Its-Kind Space Science Program for Coachella Valley Youth

INDIO, Calif. | August 14, 2026 | Something new is coming to the Coachella Valley this fall.

Local nonprofit SteamRocket is launching Cosmic Cartographers, a free 10-week space science program for middle school students ages 11 to 14. Hosted at the Indio Library, the program is designed to give Valley students an experience they have never had access to before: an immersive, multi-week space science program that goes far beyond a traditional astronomy class or one-day STEAM workshop.

Cosmic Cartographers begins September 16 and will meet every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Indio Library.

Registration opens at midnight on August 14 at SteamRocket.co. There are very limited spots, and families must commit to all 10 sessions.

Not Just a Class. A Mission.

Cosmic Cartographers was created to give students the chance to spend ten weeks actually doing space science. Throughout the program, students will investigate the solar system and beyond through hands-on scientific challenges, digital exploration, engineering, data, collaboration, and problem-solving. Each week builds on the previous one, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills and take on increasingly complex challenges.

The program will culminate in a student-led mission and showcase where participants bring everything they've learned together.

“We wanted to create something that didn't already exist here,” said Justin Decker, Co-Founder of SteamRocket. “There are great astronomy programs and one-day STEAM activities, but we wanted to give middle school students the opportunity to spend ten full weeks immersed in space science. They get to come back every week, build on what they learned, and actually feel like they're part of a mission.”

The program is intentionally designed to feel different from a traditional class.

“Cosmic Cartographers is the kind of program we wish we had growing up,” said Elle Decker, President of SteamRocket. “It's ambitious, it's hands-on, and it's designed to make kids feel like they are capable of doing real science. We are so excited to bring something this unique to the Valley.”

A New Chapter With the Indio Library

The program also continues SteamRocket's growing partnership with the Indio Library, which is entering its third year.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Indio Library,” said Decker. “We've brought Learning Lab workshops here, we've hosted Valley Kids PlayFest, and we've welcomed so many families through the library. To now launch a program like Cosmic Cartographers here feels really special. It's a big step for us and for what we can offer Valley students.”

Keeping a One-of-a-Kind Experience Free

Cosmic Cartographers is being offered completely free to participating students.

SteamRocket is actively seeking sponsors and community partners to help keep this program free and make it possible to continue offering high-quality, hands-on STEAM experiences to Valley youth.

“Keeping this free is really important to us,” said Decker. “We don't want a student's ability to explore space to depend on whether their family can afford an expensive enrichment program. We want kids from across the Valley to have access to experiences that make them excited about science and show them what's possible.”

SteamRocket thanks the Indio Library, Institute of Competition Sciences, LEGO Foundation, Lowe's Home Improvement, Fire, and Pop-Up Flix CV for their support, donations, and sponsorship.

Sponsorship packages are currently available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting Cosmic Cartographers and helping keep the program free.

Registration Information

Cosmic Cartographers Ages: 11 to 14 / Middle School Cost: FREE Dates: September 16 through November 18, 2026 Day: Wednesdays Time: 3:30pm to 4:30pm Location: Indio Library, Community Room

Registration opens at midnight on August 14 at SteamRocket.co.

Spots are extremely limited. Students must be able to commit to all 10 sessions. There are no makeup classes.

About SteamRocket

SteamRocket is a Coachella Valley nonprofit working to make STEAM education accessible, hands-on, and exciting for young people. Through free and affordable programs, workshops, and experiences, SteamRocket gives kids opportunities to explore, build, experiment, and solve while developing the skills and confidence to see themselves as creators and innovators.

For registration, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit SteamRocket.co.