RED LION, PA — Pennsylvania’s top education official visited Red Lion Area School District on Thursday as students from opposite ends of the academic spectrum teamed up for a day of hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math learning that state leaders say reflects the future of public education.
Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe attended the district’s annual STEAM Ahead event, which pairs second graders with high school students for interactive learning activities made possible through state support for STEM, career and technical education, and apprenticeship programs.
Throughout the day, elementary students rotated through a series of stations focused on chemistry, electricity, robotics, math, and engineering design, guided by high school volunteers and student interns. The program is designed to show younger learners that classroom concepts connect directly to real-world problem-solving while giving older students leadership and mentoring experience.
Rowe said early exposure to hands-on learning helps students understand that education is active and practical, encouraging curiosity and confidence at a young age while helping them envision future pathways.
Educators said STEAM Ahead also builds lasting mentorships and strengthens ties between students, families, and the broader community. The event is coordinated by district staff and supported by high school students who help facilitate experiments, demonstrations, and collaborative challenges.
The visit comes as Pennsylvania continues a multi-year push to increase education funding. Since the start of the Shapiro administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has helped distribute $65 million more in career and technical education and apprenticeship funding, along with nearly $2 billion in additional basic education funding.
In November, Governor Josh Shapiro signed his third consecutive budget, boosting public education funding by nearly $3 billion over three years. The increases include expanded support for basic education, special education, career and technical programs, apprenticeships, and higher education.
Red Lion Area School District, which serves more than 4,400 students across York County, said the STEAM Ahead program reflects its mission of “Real Learning for Real Life,” connecting classroom instruction to practical skills while preparing students for a wide range of future careers.
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