This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

Simplified: A free, one-day summer camp will help middle schoolers explore STEM careers in a variety of fields with hands-on experience. Here's what you need to know about "Your Future STEM."

Why it matters

  • The Sioux Falls Development Foundation started the summer camp for middle schoolers in 2023 as a way to show students what their interest in science, technology, engineering and math could mean in a future career path.
  • This year's Your Future STEM camps will allow students to pick a specific career track to explore – choosing from options including healthcare, engineering, construction, energy and cyber.
  • The ultimate goal is to help kids learn the various paths they can take after high school, said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce for the Foundation.
"We are helping out not only our employers today, but also, in the future, it sets those students to have that recognition and acknowledgement of what those businesses do," Guzzetta said.

Tell me more

The camps will take place on Augustana University's campus on June 10 and 11.

  • Each day of the camp covers the same material, so campers should sign up for only one of the dates.

Campers will select a career track upon registration. The day of camp, they'll spend most of the morning in various education sessions focusing on biology, chemistry, physics and education.

  • In the afternoon, campers will get a chance to explore careers specific to the track they chose with business partners including Aerostar, Sanford, Avera, HDR (engineering), POET and more.
"We have a lot of different types of employers who are coming together for these immersive activities," Guzzetta said.

The camp is also free to attend – it's a program supported by Forward Sioux Falls. Campers will get a t-shirt, all necessary materials for the day and a chance to interact with both Augustana instructors and business leaders.

How can I sign my student(s) up?

Registration is open for both days of the Your Future STEM Summer Day Camps. Students entering grades 6-8 in fall 2026 are eligible to attend.

Remember, both days of camp will have very similar experiences, so please only sign up your camper for one of the days.