STEAM + Social-Emotional Learning

Learning to Lead with Heart and Mind

Full STEAM Ahead inspires elementary students to explore, create, and grow through hands-on STEAM activities and social-emotional learning. Together, we build confidence, curiosity, and compassion—one student at a time.

6 partner schools in Durham 5 hands-on programs 100+ school supplies donated
Colorful student mural of books, stars and a smiling lion at Lakewood School
Our partner schools
Math 24 game boxes and cards fanned out on a table
Math 24 game days
Volunteers with a table full of donated school supplies
100+ supplies donated

What We Offer

Hands-on programs where curiosity meets compassion — every one built to help kids explore, create, and grow.

Math 24 Day

Strengthening math skills and problem-solving through fun, engaging challenges.

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STEAM Explorations

Hands-on projects that spark curiosity in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

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Healing Classroom

Supporting emotional well-being and creating safe spaces to learn, grow, and heal.

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Culinary Program

Exploring healthy eating, teamwork, and culture through the joy of cooking.

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Leadership Lab

Building confidence, communication, and leadership skills to inspire others.

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Hot off the press

Stay Connected. See the Impact.

Our monthly newsletters are filled with student stories, program highlights, family resources, and upcoming events.

Why It Works

Confident Learners

Students build skills and self-belief through hands-on experiences and encouragement.

Curious Thinkers

We ignite curiosity and creativity by exploring big ideas in fun, meaningful ways.

Team Players

Collaboration and respect help students grow together and lead with empathy.

Compassionate Leaders

We nurture kindness, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference.

Rooted in the seven pillars of social-emotional learning

Self-Awareness Self-Management Social Awareness Relationship Skills Responsible Decision-Making Emotional Well-being & Growth Community Engagement & Leadership
Explore our SEL resources

Stories & Highlights

Follow along our journey as we share important stories and updates from the Full STEAM Ahead community.

Math 24 game boxes and cards on a table

Building a Stronger Math Community: Bringing Math 24 to Durham

We're partnering with Mr. Robert Sun, the inventor of Math 24, to launch a countywide Math 24 campaign across Durham County.

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Volunteers standing behind a table of donated school supplies

Giving Back: Supporting Durham Cares and CDF Freedom Schools

Over 100 school supplies donated — continuing our support for the Children's Defense Fund Freedom School Program with math and robotics activities.

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Full STEAM Ahead logo

Story of You Introduces… Full STEAM Ahead

What started as a simple idea—a spark—has ignited into something far greater than we could have imagined. This is how it began.

Read the story

Stronger Together

We partner with schools, families, and community organizations to create enriching opportunities that help every child thrive.

About our school partnerships

Schools

Bringing engaging STEAM and SEL programs to students where they learn.

Families

Supporting families with resources, events, and ways to get involved.

Community

Working together to create opportunities for all children to succeed.

Educators

Providing tools, training, and support for teachers and program leaders.

Proudly partnering across Durham, NC

Club Boulevard Elementary Parkwood Elementary Southwest Elementary Lakewood Elementary E.K. Powe Elementary Lyons Farm Elementary Student U CDF Freedom Schools The Math 24 Game

The People Behind the Steam

Founders, educators, and volunteers who show up for Durham's kids — bringing the heart (and the whiteboards) to every program day.

Meet Our Team
Hoon LeeExecutive Director
Phuong HuynhProgram Director
Sabrina KollsDirector
Eric LeeDevelopment Lead
Lolo GoddardCurriculum Lead
Korey CadizInstructional Lead
Chimelo AgwuegboVolunteer
Priyanka RamuluVolunteer
Watercolor illustration of three delighted children in safety goggles running a science experiment with colorful flasks

Let's build brighter futures—together.

Whether you volunteer, sponsor a student, or partner with us, you help kids learn, lead, and reach their full potential.

Get Involved Today