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​Exploring Every Opportunity. Creating What Is Possible.

 

Sister to Sister International's STEAM Sistahs program is dedicated to empowering women and girls of color by providing them with opportunities and resources in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). We serve a diverse group of girls from underserved communities, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to pursue successful careers in these critical areas. 

STEAM Overview

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Exploring Every Opportunity. Creating What Is Possible.

For 17 years, Sister to Sister International’s Summer STEAM Academy has created a space where Black girls and girls of color can explore new possibilities, strengthen their confidence, and prepare for their futures.

Designed for middle and high school students in grades 6 through 12, the Academy combines STEAM education with academic readiness, career exploration, entrepreneurship, leadership development, civic engagement, health and wellness, and mentorship. Through hands-on workshops, workplace visits, community partnerships, and conversations with accomplished professionals and STSI alumni, participants discover how their interests can connect to real-world opportunities.

More than a summer camp, the STSI Summer STEAM Academy is a pathway to year-round learning and leadership—helping young women gain the exposure, preparation, relationships, and confidence needed to succeed in school, college, careers, and their communities.

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Success by Numbers

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For 17 years, Sister to Sister International’s Summer STEAM Academy has created a space where Black girls and girls of color can explore new possibilities, strengthen their confidence, and prepare for their futures.

 

Designed for middle and high school students in grades 6 through 12, the Academy combines STEAM education with academic readiness, career exploration, entrepreneurship, leadership development, civic engagement, health and wellness, and mentorship. Through hands-on workshops, workplace visits, community partnerships, and conversations with accomplished professionals and STSI alumni, participants discover how their interests can connect to real-world opportunities.

 

More than a summer camp, the STSI Summer STEAM Academy is a pathway to year-round learning and leadership—helping young women gain the exposure, preparation, relationships, and confidence needed to succeed in school, college, careers, and their communities.

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Educational Impact & Building Futures That Last​

​For 17 years, the STSI Summer STEAM Academy has served as a launching point for young women to pursue higher education, leadership, and successful careers. The impact of the Academy extends far beyond the summer, as participants gain the confidence, skills, and mentorship needed to thrive. Today, our alumni continue to excel at colleges and universities across the country—including Yale University, Barnard College at Columbia University, Howard University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Miami, Penn State University, the University at Albany, Western New England University, and the University of Central Florida—demonstrating the lasting impact of investing in the next generation of leaders.

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Student Experiences​

Dress for Success & the Beauty Justice Act in partnership with WE ACT for Environmental Justice

"One of my favorite experiences during the Summer STEAM Academy was participating in a Girls Inc. workshop on consent. Through interactive activities and real-life scenarios, we discussed what consent means, why communication and respecting boundaries are important, and how to make sure everyone feels comfortable and heard. My biggest takeaway was realizing that consent is an essential part of building healthy, respectful relationships."

STSI Brand Lab: From Idea to Impact, facilitated by Gloria Lantigua-Cunningham, Founder of The Ambitious Soul Marketing Agency, LLC.

"I came into the Brand Lab hoping to learn how to start a business, and I left with a new understanding of branding and marketing. I learned that good design is about thinking from your audience's perspective, not just your own. I appreciated how interactive and fun the workshop was, and it inspired me to think about creating a brand of my own."

Center for the Urban River at Beczak Visit

"This experience strengthened my interest in becoming a marine biologist. I learned that even small actions can make a difference in protecting our oceans and that everyone has a role to play in caring for our environment."

Yonkers City Hall Visit hosted by City Council President, Lakisha Collins-Bellamy

"I learned that some beauty products contain ingredients that can be harmful to our health. Now I understand why it's important to read labels, know what's in the products we use, and advocate for safer choices for everyone."

Community Makes the Difference

The success of the Summer STEAM Academy reflects the generosity and collaboration of organizations and professionals who invested their expertise, mentorship, and encouragement in this year's participants.  Sister to Sister International gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship of:​

2026 SPONSORS

  • WE ACT for Environmental Justice

  • SNAP-Ed NYC

  • Girls Inc. Westchester

  • Center for the Urban River at Beczak

  • City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy & Yonkers City Hall

  • Bronx-Westchester Area Health Education Center (BW AHEC)

  • Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site

  • Green Point Studios at Lionsgate Yonkers

  • Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Behind every successful Summer STEAM Academy is a remarkable network of professionals who believe in the power of mentorship and education. By volunteering their time and sharing their expertise, these leaders provided students with meaningful learning experiences, career exploration opportunities, and real-world perspectives that cannot be found in a classroom alone. Their willingness to invest in the next generation helped empower participants to dream bigger, lead with confidence, and prepare for successful futures. Sister to Sister International proudly recognizes the following professionals for their invaluable contributions to the 2026 Summer STEAM Academy:

2026 Professional Facilitators

  • Lauren Morris, Loola Doola Collective

  • Elizabeth Reyes, WE ACT for Environmental Justice

  • Breana Sinkfield, New Rochelle High School Graduate

  • Gloria Lantigua-Cunningham, The Ambitious Soul Marketing Agency, LLC.

  • Charlene Waller, RN, Crafter by Char

  • Jordanne Ashley Lewis, BW AHEC

  • Maria Vele, SNAP-Ed NYC

  • Ashley Britton, 

  • Charmaine Golding, Golden Krust White Plains + Entrepreneurship, Economic Prosperity and Pay Equity workgroup

Get Involved

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Sister to Sister International, Inc.

2023 | Photo Recap

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