Help STEM Space Power Summer 2026: Affordable Robotics and STEM Camp for Local Kids

STEM Space began with one goal. Give every kid in our community the chance to build, code, design, and discover what they are capable of, no matter their income or background. Thanks to your support, that goal is no longer just an idea. It is happening.

Hi, I’m Ryan Rich, founder of STEM Space, a volunteer run nonprofit based in Pasadena, Maryland. We create hands on STEM programs for kids who do not always get access to robotics, engineering tools, or makerspace learning outside of school.

What We’ve Accomplished Since Our First Camp

After a successful summer robotics camp in 2025, we kept growing, and this fall was a huge step forward.

• We ran two FIRST LEGO League robotics programs.

One team here in Pasadena, and another in partnership with Trinity School in Ellicott City.

• Our Pasadena team won a Robot Performance Award.

This was earned by a team of all rookies. Every student was doing FIRST LEGO League for the first time.

• We expanded access for low income families.

At our summer camp, 50% of students attended free of charge through partnerships with local nonprofits in Pasadena and Brooklyn Park. That access is core to who we are.

• We built leadership through internships.

We supported a STEM Space internship program with a team of six interns helping run our robotics programs and mentoring younger students.

• We supported FIRST LEGO League Maryland statewide.

We contributed volunteers and resources to help Maryland coaches and events this season.

All of this proved something important. Kids in our area are hungry for hands on STEM, and when they are given the tools and support, they succeed fast.

Where We’re Going Next

We are now planning summer programs for 2026, and we want them to be bigger, better, and even more accessible than last year. Our summer sessions are the gateway for new students, and the most important time to bring in low income kids who do not have other STEM options.

To do that, we need funding for equipment and supplies.

What We’re Raising For Now

Your donations will go directly to summer 2026 program needs, including:

• Robotics kits and expansion parts.

We need more LEGO Spike Prime kits and components so more students can participate at once.

• Camp build materials and craft supplies.

Engineering challenges and creative builds require real materials, and we go through a lot of them each week.

• 3D printing for campers.

We want students to design parts and prototypes, then see them made in real life during camp.

• Program operations and student support.

Everything from project consumables to safety and organization supplies that keep camp running smoothly.

Most importantly, the more we raise, the more low income students we can invite free of charge.

Support We’ve Already Received

Our community has stepped up in incredible ways:

• Berman Hebrew Academy donated 30 Chromebooks to our program.

• Joe Lederman generously provided laptops, tech parts, and a printer.

• The Rich family funded a set of 10 tablets for our program.

• Through personal donations, we have acquired half a class set of LEGO Spike Prime robotics kits.

These gifts have made a real difference, and they show how much this region believes in what STEM Space is building. Now we need to finish the job for summer 2026.

How You Can Help

Every gift directly supports a student experience this summer.

• 25 dollars funds craft and build materials for camp projects.

• 100 dollars funds a robotics kit for hands on learning.

• 250 dollars funds a full scholarship for one student in need.

This may be a student from a low income household, a student in foster care, or a student facing serious hardship who deserves a safe place to learn and grow.

• 350 dollars funds a 3D printer for our camp, giving students hands on design and manufacturing access.

• Donate any amount, even small gifts buy real supplies.

• Share this fundraiser with friends, family, and local businesses.

• Leave a message, we share encouragement with students and volunteers.

Thank You

If you believe kids deserve a place to learn by doing, to build robots, solve problems, and find confidence, we would be honored to have your support.

Let’s make STEM Space summer 2026 the most accessible one yet.

thestemspace.org

Donate on GoFundMe

With gratitude,

Ryan Rich

Founder, STEM Space