STEM & vine

06/22/2026

This week, students in grades 5–8 participated in our Junior Electrician Trade & Tech Camp, where they explored the fundamentals of residential wiring, electrical safety, and the skilled trades through hands-on learning experiences.

Working in the Electrical Engineering Technology labs, students used tools, completed electrical projects, and gained exposure to career opportunities in the electrical industry. The camp provided an opportunity for students to develop practical skills while learning about a high-demand field.

We extend our sincere thanks to Erie County Technical School for hosting this experience and sharing their facilities and expertise with our students.

We also thank PA Smart for supporting programs that connect students with meaningful career exploration opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.

STEM & Vine is proud to partner with organizations that help students discover their interests, build new skills, and explore future educational and career pathways.

06/19/2026

06/04/2026

STEM & Vine Trade & Tech Camps are now open for registration!

Students entering grades 5–8 are invited to explore hands-on career and technical learning opportunities this summer through STEM & Vine Trade and Tech Camps at Erie County Technical School.

These camps give students the opportunity to learn directly in ECTS labs, explore high-demand career fields, use industry-related tools and technology, and participate in hands-on projects connected to real-world careers.

Available camps include:

Junior Electrician Camp
June 16–18 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Students will explore residential wiring, electrical safety, power tools, and electrical projects. Lunch provided by ECTS.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990702740485?aff=oddtdtcreator

Emergency & Protective Services Camp
June 18–19 | 1:00–5:00 PM
Students will learn about emergency response, law enforcement, EMS, fire, ski patrol, incident command, CPR, First Aid, and AED training.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ects-emergency-protective-services-camp-tickets-1990703512795?aff=oddtdtcreator

Construction & Facilities Camp
June 23–25 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Students will explore carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, power tools, building, cutting, wiring, and more. Lunch provided by ECTS.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ects-construction-facilities-camp-tickets-1990704464642?aff=oddtdtcreator

Health Care Camp
June 23–25 | 8:00 AM–Noon
Students will learn about nursing, anatomy, patient care, CPR, First Aid, AED training, and health care career pathways.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ects-health-care-camp-tickets-1990704580990?aff=oddtdtcreator

Junior Drone Pilot Camp
June 23–25 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Students will learn basic flight controls, safety operations, drone games, competitions, field simulations, and UAV career opportunities.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ects-junior-drone-pilot-camp-tickets-1991138810783?aff=oddtdtcreator

Programming & IT Camp
June 23–25 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Students will explore Scratch, HTML, CSS, and Python while creating projects they can share with friends and family.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ects-programming-it-camp-tickets-1991143985260?aff=oddtdtcreator​

The full STEM & Vine Trade and Tech Camps can be viewed here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/summer-2026-middle-school-camps-4845558

Space is limited, so students are encouraged to register early!

06/03/2026

Tuesday was a big day at North East Elementary School as students, faculty and parents celebrated a new addition to the school. The North East School District launched its STEM and Vine outdoor lea…

06/03/2026

STEM & Vine unveils new outdoor learning courtyard at North East Elementary Center Tuesday, June 02, 2026 North East Elementary Center celebrated the ribbon cutting for its new outdoor learning courtyard, designed to expand STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities for rural students, on Tu...

05/12/2026

STEM & Vine students recently visited Gannon University’s Center for Lake Erie Education and Research (CLEER), located at the Blasco Library, to explore how science, technology, and community partnerships come together to study and protect Lake Erie. During the visit, students learned about Gannon’s Project NePTWNE and its focus on freshwater research, environmental monitoring, and innovative solutions to water quality challenges in the Great Lakes region. They engaged with interactive exhibits, including real-time data visualizations and hands-on learning displays that highlight the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. The experience gave students a closer look at how university research connects to real-world environmental issues and future STEM career pathways right here in our region.

Thank you to Dr Sam Mason for her engaging presentation!

04/30/2026

This spring, STEM & Vine middle and high school students traveled to Mercyhurst University to take part in a hands-on fly fishing course led by Dr. Mike Elnitsky, Biology Chair at Mercyhurst University.

Over six weeks, students learned the fundamentals of fly fishing, including rod setup, casting techniques, and fly tying, while also exploring aquatic science. Participants studied macroinvertebrate life cycles and tied their own fly patterns to mimic key stages of aquatic insects.

Thank you to Dr. Elnitsky and Mercyhurst for this incredible experience!

03/16/2026

We recently wrapped up Unit 2 focusing on coding and robotics. Students in grades 1 and 2, designed and programed a simple robotic hummingbird using the Hummingbird Robotics Kit to model the process of pollination. Through hands-on building, coding, and creative design, students developed early engineering skills, practice collaboration, and made connections between nature and technology. Students in grades 3 and 4, explored how robotics and technology can support agriculture by helping farmers care for vineyards. Students designed, built, and programed a moving vineyard helper robot that represented a real-world agricultural solution. The project emphasized engineering design, mechanical movement, coding logic, and problem-solving while encouraging creativity and teamwork. Our last unit will run through April and May and will focus on watersheds.

11/25/2025

Pictures from the last two weeks of our pollinator unit. Thank you so much to our community partners, North East in Bloom, for helping us plant 1000s of bulbs. We are excited to see them come spring!

11/25/2025

It’s partners like these that make STEM & vine so impactful. Thank you, North East in Bloom!