BERWYN, PA — BLAST Robotics is expanding its summer STEM education efforts through enhanced training, industry partnerships and community outreach initiatives as demand for hands-on technology programs continues to grow across the region.
The youth-led robotics organization, which competes as FIRST Robotics Competition Team 10989 and operating under Keystone STEM Alliance, stated it has completed staff training and facility preparations ahead of its 2026 Summer STEM Camps, positioning the program to serve a larger number of students while broadening access to engineering and workforce development experiences.
The expansion reflects growing interest in STEM education programs that connect students with practical skills and potential career pathways in fields including robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and engineering.
Camp counselors, student leaders and adult volunteers recently completed training focused on safety procedures, camp operations, leadership development and student engagement. The program also introduced staff to a redesigned robotics workshop featuring dedicated engineering workspaces, competition fields and project presentation areas.
“Our goal is not only to teach robotics and engineering concepts, but also to develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that students can carry with them throughout their lives,” said Mayon Saha, director of operations and a member of the BLAST Robotics leadership team.
The organization has established a student-led management structure that includes head counselors, a safety director, program director, media manager and logistics coordinator. Adult mentors and additional counselors will provide operational and instructional support throughout the program.
A significant portion of training focused on youth protection policies, emergency response procedures, conflict resolution and facility safety requirements. Staff also received instruction on judging protocols, engineering challenge management and competition scoring systems.
The camp’s first featured engineering challenge, dubbed “Space Race,” is designed to introduce participants to engineering design principles through team-based problem-solving exercises.
BLAST Robotics is also expanding collaboration with regional educational institutions and employers to provide students with exposure to industry professionals. The organization says it is working with Penn State Great Valley, Isolite Corporation, and TE Connectivity to develop STEM seminar opportunities for campers.
Those sessions are expected to give students direct access to professionals working in engineering, manufacturing, technology, entrepreneurship and business leadership.
The organization has also partnered with Eadeh Enterprises to promote STEM education opportunities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and increase awareness of robotics and technology programs among students and families.
Each week will conclude with a public showcase and awards ceremony where participants will present projects and demonstrate skills developed during the program.
In addition to camp operations, BLAST Robotics is recruiting engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, skilled trades professionals and business leaders to serve as volunteer mentors, guest speakers and camp supporters.
The organization stated that industry engagement remains a key component of its strategy to connect classroom learning with workforce development opportunities and prepare students for careers in high-demand technical fields.
For information about camps, volunteer opportunities and partnership initiatives, visit www.team10989.org or www.keystonestemai.org.
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