Step Into STEM raises $2,200 to fund 312 backpacks for children

A student-led nonprofit in Western Springs, Illinois, turned summer STEM camps into a community drive that paid for 312 backpacks donated through Cradles to Crayons. The effort linked hands-on science learning with direct local support for children heading into the school year.

Why it matters: - Step Into STEM used STEM education to generate money for a concrete back-to-school need. - The initiative helped more than 300 children start the school year with a new backpack. - The project tied student leadership, science learning and community service into one local fundraising effort.

What happened: - Step Into STEM raised $2,200 through a series of summer STEM camps. - The money paid for 312 backpacks that were donated to Cradles to Crayons. - Step Into STEM volunteers also helped at a Cradles to Crayons community event, where they prepared and distributed essential items for local children and families. - The nonprofit is based in Western Springs, Illinois.

The details: - The camps ran for three weeks over the summer. - Sessions were held twice a week, with two sessions each day. - Camp participants explored chemistry, physics, engineering and other STEM topics through hands-on experiments. - Step Into STEM said the camps were designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in science. - Bianca Berry, CEO and founder of Step Into STEM, organized the initiative with Lyons Township High School juniors Tacy Hendricks, Margaret Zieba and Matej Naunov. - Kiara Berry, a middle school student, volunteered at the camps and supported community service activities. - Every registration supported the organization's community service mission. - Step Into STEM is a student-led nonprofit focused on expanding access to STEM education and serving the community. - The organization also runs outreach programs that raise funds for charitable initiatives benefiting children and families. - More information is available on Step Into STEM's Instagram page.

Between the lines: - The fundraiser shows how youth-led STEM programs can do more than teach science skills. - The model turns participation into a direct social impact, which may help camps feel more meaningful to families and students. - The mix of older student organizers and younger volunteers suggests Step Into STEM is building a pipeline of community-minded leaders.

What's next: - Step Into STEM is likely to continue pairing hands-on STEM programming with charitable fundraising. - The organization plans to keep encouraging younger students to explore STEM while supporting local children and families through outreach efforts. - The summer campaign sets a template for future school-year and seasonal service projects.