Manchester, NH –
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester (BGCGM), in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), is proud to announce the introduction of STEM Launch Lab, a new five‑week summer pilot program designed to provide youth entering grades 5–8 with hands‑on exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math.
STEM Launch Lab will run weekly from July 6 through August 7, 2026, offering a dynamic learning experience that blends Club‑based programming with real‑world university engagement. Participants will split their days between the Union Street Clubhouse and SNHU’s campus at 2500 North River Road, giving students an early introduction to college environments while strengthening critical STEM skills.
“The STEM Launch Lab does more than teach technical skills—it ignites curiosity, fosters creativity, and builds the confidence young learners need to explore the world around them,” says Kyle Viator, SNHU’s Dean of the School of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics. “By engaging in hands-on discovery and real-world problem-solving, students begin to see themselves as innovators and leaders. These early experiences plant the seeds for a lifelong passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, empowering the next generation to shape a future defined by possibility and progress.”
Each week of the program focuses on a different STEM theme and is led by BGCGM’s STEAM Director, Keith Darling, and SNHU staff members who actively work in the field. Weekly topics include engineering race cars, mechanical engineering, 3D printing and design, drones, robotics, coding, aeronautics, construction, and design thinking, allowing students to explore a wide range of STEM careers through hands‑on projects and team‑based learning.
“STEM Launch Lab is designed to spark curiosity and help young people see what’s possible when classroom learning meets real‑world application,” says Diane Fitzpatrick, BGCGM CEO. “By working alongside professionals on a university campus, students gain both confidence and inspiration for their future.”
The program runs Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, with optional afternoon supervision available until 6:00pm. Weekly enrollment is limited to 50 members, ensuring small group learning and personalized support. Participants must be at least 10 years old by July 1, 2026, and all grades are based on the grade students are entering in Fall 2026.
The weekly program fee is $325, which includes transportation to and from SNHU, all materials, a program t‑shirt, and a certificate of completion. As a special spring-into-summer promotion, families who register for all five weeks of STEM Launch Lab will receive one week free, making it easier for students to experience the full program while saving on tuition. Afternoon supervision options are available for all participants; additional fees may apply.
Weekly Program Dates & Themes:
- July 6–10: Engineering Race Cars
- July 13–17: Mechanical Engineering
- July 20–24: 3D Printing & Design
- July 27–31: Drones
- August 3–7: Construction
Families interested in learning more or registering can visit bgcgm.org/summer-programs.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester
Stewards of a long and proud history, we do whatever it takes to deepen the impact of our work. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester (BGCGM) is one of the 53 founding organizations of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, established in 1907. Operating throughout 4 sites in Greater Manchester, there are no barriers to membership and no limits to what our kids can achieve. Learn more about BGCGM at bgcgm.org.
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