STEAAM
Program Overview
STEAAM is Thrive Philly's flagship year-round enrichment program for teen girls in Philadelphia. We weave hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Activism, and Mathematics with sisterhood, wellness, and mentorship from Black women already doing the work — across two seasons of programming.
For Students
- Project-based learning with real-world impact
- Mentor panels with Black women in STEAAM fields
- Museum trips and on-site wellness with Pretty Fit Philly
- Sisterhood with a cohort of girls across Philly
- Transportation support and safe rides home
For Parents & Guardians
- Weekly communication and clear deadlines
- Report-card and progress checkpoints
- Permission slips and trip details in advance
- Parent-friendly contact line for every staff member
- End-of-program survey and family showcase
For Community Members
STEAAM is supported by funders, mentors, and volunteers across Philly. Learn how you can help girls thrive through funding, panel partnership, or trip chaperoning.
STEAAM Interest Meeting
Curious about STEAAM? Come meet our team, hear from current students, and ask every question on your mind. We encourage interested students to attend — and families are warmly welcomed to join.
Our Programs — Two Seasons, One Sisterhood
STEAAM runs year-round with two distinct seasons. Students can join one or both — and many do.
Our weekly afterschool program blends sisterhood circles, hands-on STEAAM modules, mentor panels with Black women in industry, local museum trips, and on-site wellness sessions at Pretty Fit Philly.
- ~28 Wednesday sessions across the school year
- Quarterly museum and field trips
- Monthly mentor panel with Black women in STEAAM
- Built-in homework and report-card checkpoints
- Capstone Expo and family showcase in March
A 13-week summer intensive designed to keep girls engaged, mentored, and connected through the summer. Built around protective factors: trusted adults, positive peer culture, and pathways to opportunity.
- Tues/Thurs core programming — coding, design, wellness, leadership tracks
- Monthly Saturday field trips (HBCU visits, museum days)
- Mid-summer Career Café Brunch with mentors and employer partners
- Flourish Fest — community celebration in late July
- Capstone Showcase and certificates at the close
- Stipends, transportation assistance, trauma-informed support
Fall Schedule — Wednesday Passport
Tap the passport to flip it open and browse month by month.
September 2025 — Foundations & Community (Recap)
October 2025 — Core Modules & Mentors (Recap)
November 2025
December 2025
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
Summer Schedule — Philly Passport
Tap the passport to flip it open and browse Summer Bridge month by month.
June 2026 — Foundations Week
July 2026 — Build & Connect
August 2026 — Capstone Build
September 2026 — Showcase & Sisterhood
Who STEAAM Is For
Grades a little lower right now? Reach out anyway — we believe in growth and we'll talk with your family about fit.
Submit Your Interest
Tell us a little about yourself. Acceptance decisions for Summer Bridge will be communicated by June 15, 2026. Parents and guardians — you'll be looped in from the first email.
Want to learn more in person first? Join our Interest Meeting on May 30, 1–3 PM at Thrive Career Café.
Common Questions
When will I know if I'm accepted?
Summer Bridge acceptance decisions are communicated by June 15, 2026. Fall Wednesday program decisions go out in mid-August. Either way, you'll hear from us by email — and so will your parent/guardian.
Do I need to attend the May 30 Interest Meeting?
No, it's not required — but it helps. Coming to the meeting lets you meet the team, see the space, and get questions answered before you commit. Families are warmly welcomed to attend with you.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. STEAAM is free for accepted students. Summer Bridge participants receive stipends and transportation support; Wednesday program students receive safe rides home after dark.
What if my grades dip below C+ during the program?
We don't kick anyone out for a tough semester. We do require an honest report-card checkpoint each quarter so we can pair you with tutoring support if needed.
Do I have to live in Philadelphia?
Yes. STEAAM is exclusively for girls who live in Philadelphia. We ask for your ZIP code on the interest form to confirm residency.
Can I apply for both Fall and Summer?
Yes — and we love when girls stay through the full year. Just pick "Both" on the interest form. Many of our strongest cohorts come from year-round students.
I'm a parent — how do I get involved?
Start with the May 30 Interest Meeting — families are welcome. Parents and guardians are also invited to the family showcase, capstone events, and quarterly check-ins. We have a parent volunteer pathway too — email info@thrivephilly.org.
Help STEAAM Thrive
STEAAM runs because our community shows up. Cover a session, mentor a cohort, or chaperone a field trip — every contribution builds a Philly girl's future.
Questions about funding levels or volunteer pathways? Email info@thrivephilly.org.