12/08/2026
STEM Infused 2026 Concludes with Celebration of Young Innovators by Shenequa Williams
The Ministry of Education’s fifth annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Infused Summer Camp 2026 concluded yesterday, August 11, at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Center, following five weeks of hands-on learning, exploration, creativity and innovation.
The closing ceremony brought together Ministry of Education officials, parents, teachers, facilitators, partners, sponsors and, most importantly, the young innovators who participated in the programme. The event featured a musical rendition, a video presentation recapping the campers’ experiences, prize-giving and a spirited rendition of the camp song by all participants.
The camp has grown significantly since its inception in 2022. What began as an initiative designed to provide students with meaningful exposure to STEM has evolved into a comprehensive programme attracting more than 200 students annually. This year, approximately 250 attendees were present at the closing ceremony, with participants ranging from 8 to 17 years old.
The programme’s organizers emphasized that STEM Infused is about much more than academic subjects. It provides students with opportunities to explore, experiment, solve problems, think critically, work collaboratively and develop their creativity. Campers were encouraged to recognize that mathematics and science are not simply subjects required for examinations, but powerful tools that can be used to address real challenges facing Antigua and Barbuda.
This year’s programme placed particular emphasis on issues connected to climate change, the environment, water conservation and the health of the country’s marine ecosystems. Older campers explored ocean pollution, ocean health and ocean biodiversity, developing models and innovative solutions to address challenges within these areas.
Through a partnership with the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), students also participated in AquaQuest, which introduced them to water conservation, smart water management, water reuse and recycling, and innovative approaches to water-related challenges. The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) also came on board this year to sponsor the Robotics programme of the STEM Camp. This will set the stage for the regional Robotics initiative planned for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. COL's project is supporting 49 youths from around the Commonwealth Caribbean to work together across country borders to propose and build out Robotics solutions to current Caribbean blue-green challenges.
A representative from APUA congratulated the students and highlighted the importance of the organization’s partnership with the Ministry of Education. The representative encouraged campers to carry the lessons from the programme into their everyday lives by considering how they use water, reduce waste, protect the environment and use technology and innovation to address national challenges.
The representative also reminded students that although Antigua and Barbuda is a small island, many of the challenges it faces are shared throughout the Caribbean and the wider world. Students were encouraged to continue learning, asking questions, experimenting, connecting with others and using their knowledge to contribute to the development of the country.
The camp provided students with extensive practical experiences. Younger participants engaged in robotics, science and applied engineering, rotating through the different disciplines throughout the programme. They also participated in field experiences, including visits to the mangroves and Fort James, where they explored issues such as coastal erosion.
Older campers were challenged to move beyond simply assembling robotics kits and instead build with purpose. Their projects required them to apply their knowledge to real-world issues, including environmental and marine challenges. Students also gained experience using tools and equipment to develop their projects, demonstrating what young people can accomplish when given the opportunity and the appropriate environment.
The organizers emphasized the importance of giving children space to explore their interests and develop their own ideas. The camp’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that young people are filled with ideas and potential and should be given opportunities to think critically, create and produce rather than simply consume information.
A key message throughout the ceremony was that today’s young people will inherit many of the challenges facing Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean, making it important to begin developing solutions now. The programme reinforced the message from Dr. Didacus Jules: “No one is coming to save us.” The sentiment encouraged young people to recognize the importance of taking action and developing solutions to the challenges they will inherit.
The ceremony also recognized the dedication of the many individuals who worked behind the scenes to make the camp possible. Appreciation was extended to the camp planning team, teachers, facilitators, mentors, safety officers, parents, partners and other Ministry officials whose contributions helped make the programme a success.
Special recognition was also given to organizations that have provided consistent support to the camp since its inception, including the Board of Education, the School Meals Programme, the National School Bus Service and Flow. Their continued contributions have helped ensure that students can participate in the camp at no cost while receiving meals, transportation, connectivity and other essential support.
The camp also celebrated former participants who have returned to assist as facilitators and mentors. Their involvement demonstrated the lasting impact of STEM Infused and how participants can transition from campers to contributors within the programme.
As part of the prize-giving ceremony, two campers—one male and one female—received special recognition following a request from APUA and ECAB. One camper was recognized as the overall performer in the Robotics programme, while the other was recognized for their performance in the AquaQuest programme. Both students received gift baskets containing an iPad and other items.
Appreciation was also extended to APUA and ECAB for providing tokens to the campers in recognition of their participation and achievements.
The closing ceremony served not only as the conclusion of STEM Infused 2026, but as a launchpad for the next generation of innovators. With continued emphasis on practical learning, technology, environmental sustainability and problem-solving, the programme is helping to prepare young Antiguans and Barbudans to become scientists, engineers, coders, designers, entrepreneurs and leaders.
The event concluded on a high note as all campers stood together and sang the STEM Infused camp song, marking the end of five weeks of learning, discovery and collaboration.
The message to the young innovators was clear: the future is theirs to design. They were encouraged to keep asking “why?” and “what if?”, to keep building, questioning, leading and innovating, and to use their knowledge and ideas to help create a stronger and more sustainable Antigua and Barbuda.
