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Spark Curiosity, Fuel Creativity: 4-5 Days of Hands-On STEAM Adventure for Young Innovators!

As the saying goes, an investment in knowledge pays the best interest! Set your kids up for success during the summer with 4-5 days of engaging Makerspace activities to spark creativity and fuel their mind. Designed for students in grades 3-6, the STEAM Discovery program provides an opportunity for kids to participate in hands-on activities to explore critical thinking skills and empower them to see themselves as inventors, builders, and creators. They will collaborate with other students to communicate new ideas, design, invent, and discover new things by thinking out of the box and leveraging a variety of materials.

Sample Activities

  • Measure the Wind
  • Bristlebots
  • Cardboard Creator Challenge
  • Storyboard Animation
  • Pointillism with Q-Tips

Program Details

RIVERSIDE: UCR University Extension

  • Date: June 23-27
  • Application Deadline: June 16
  • Location: 1299 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92507
  • Cost: $375

Apply Now

PALM DESERT: UCR Palm Desert

  • Date: June 30-July 3
  • Application and Scholarship Deadline: June 23
  • Location: 75080 Frank Sinatra Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92211
  • Cost: $375

Apply Now

PALM DESERT: UCR Palm Desert

  • Date: July 7-10
  • Application Deadline: June 30
  • Location: 75080 Frank Sinatra Dr. Palm Desert, CA 92211
  • Cost: $375

Apply Now

Scholarship Opportunities

Thanks to support from Wells Fargo and other generous anonymous donors, a limited number of scholarships are available — including 20 full scholarships for early applicants to the first Palm Desert session (June 30-July 3, 2025). Apply by the deadline above for your chance to be selected! Reach out to our youth team at youth@ucx.ucr.edu for more information.

FAQs

How do I apply for the program?

Click on the “Apply Now” button to access our online portal. If you already have an account with us, you can use your existing credentials to log in. If not, please complete the "create an account" section to set up your account and begin the application process.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

In the application, you will click, "I would like to be entered into the lottery for a scholarship."

If I am chosen as a scholarship recipient, when will I receive a refund of my application fee?

If a scholarship is awarded, a refund will be issued to the original payment method within 6-8 weeks.

Are there requirements for the scholarship?

A limited number of scholarships are available — including 20 full scholarships for early applicants to the first Palm Desert session (June 30-July 3, 2025). Daily attendance is required for scholarship recipients. Discontinued attendance may be grounds for full or partial repayment of the scholarship. Awards are final, and no appeal is available.

Is transportation provided?

No. Transportation is not provided.

Are students responsible for bringing snacks and lunch?

Yes. Please ensure that your child brings snacks and lunch each day. A refillable water station will be available for all students.

Are multi-child discounts available?

No. There are no discounts for the STEAM Discovery program.

What time do children need to be picked up from the program?

Children must be picked up promptly at 4 pm when the program ends.

Are the students dropped off at the program or does a parent need to stay behind?

Students should be dropped off at the program. Parents do not need to stay.

Is a photo ID required to pick up children from the program?

Yes. A valid photo ID is needed to pick up your child. The name of the person picking up the child must be listed on the application. If the name is not on the list, the child will not be released.