STEAM Career Academies
STEAM Career Academies
Summer 2026
Summer 2026
Embedded Files
Essex County West Caldwell Tech
Essex County West Caldwell Tech
620 Passaic Ave.
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
Essex County Payne Tech
Essex County Payne Tech
498-544 West Market St.
Newark, NJ 07107
Registration to be completed via Eventbrite below
Registration to be completed via Eventbrite below
West Caldwell Tech Offerings
West Caldwell Tech Offerings
Auto Technology
Auto Technology
Instructor: Mr. Alicea
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: West Caldwell Tech
During this interactive, hands-on automotive class, students will learn the basics of automotive shop safety, tools and their usage, general maintenance, tires, alignment, and many fun discussions about the automotive world! This class is also a great way to learn how to help your family, make connections to vehicles in the movie world, and learn how to make money servicing cars.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology
Instructors: Ms. Fong and Ms. Davis
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: West Caldwell Tech
Participants engage in hands-on activities, learning basic hairstyling, makeup application, and healthy skin care regimens. Outside of learning those skills we also strive to increase the participants' confidence in handling all hair types, increasing dexterity, and how to maintain a clean and sanitary workspace.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Instructor: Ms. Joelle Dellavolpe
Program Dates: Session 1: July 7-17
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: West Caldwell Tech
Students will have the opportunity to cultivate skills in drawing and other traditional media, as well as in the graphic programs of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. They will be exposed to typography, photography, 3d printing, photo editing, and so much more. Students will have the ability to 3D print, create posters and stickers to take home at the end of the sessions.
Music Technology
Music Technology
Instructor: Mr. Zellea
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: West Caldwell Tech
Students will create, modify sounds, and program drum beats and patterns. They will also be introduced to songwriting and musical arranging.
Payne Tech Offerings
Payne Tech Offerings
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts
Instructors: Chef Encarnacion, Chef DelaPaz
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Payne Tech
In our culinary arts sessions, students will explore knife skills, kitchen safety, and cooking techniques. Students will learn dishes from various cultures and develop an appreciation for the field.
Our professional-level kitchen is stocked with pro equipment to create endless possibilities and real-life experiences. This hands-on approach will turn your middle schoolers into inspiring professional chefs.
All skill levels are accepted.
Entrepreneurship Startup Stars: Build Your Big Idea!
Entrepreneurship Startup Stars: Build Your Big Idea!
Instructor: Ms. Scott
Program Dates
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Payne Tech
Got a great idea? Turn it into a real business this summer! In Startup Stars: Build Your Big Idea!, students will become young entrepreneurs as they brainstorm creative products, design brands, build mini-businesses, and pitch their ideas like pros. Through games, hands-on challenges, and team projects, students will learn how real companies start—from idea to launch—while building confidence, creativity, and leadership skills. The workshop ends with an exciting “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition where students showcase their businesses to a panel. No experience needed—just imagination!
Courtroom Clash/Mock Trial
Courtroom Clash/Mock Trial
Instructor: Mr. Tolliver
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Payne Tech
In Courtroom Clash, students will learn the basics of trial advocacy and criminal litigation. They'll learn how to examine witnesses, make objections, and create winning arguments. The final session ends with a full simulated mock trial!
Digital Media Content Creation
Digital Media Content Creation
Instructor: Mr. Boyce
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Payne Tech
Students will learn the basics of digital content creation using tools such as photography, video cameras, and point-and-shoot cameras to create portfolios. Some topics the class will explore include advertising, photography, video content, and memes.
Game Design
Game Design
Instructor: Mr. Cuccolo
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Payne Tech
We love to play video games, but have you ever wanted to build your own? Students will learn the guiding principles of digital game design by creating and playing top-down and platform games! Game design and development builds art, math, and coding skills, and offers students an outlet to show what they know. With these tools, students will embark on creative, energizing experiences that'll get them thinking in new, exciting ways.
Engineering: Water, Water, Everywhere
Engineering: Water, Water, Everywhere
Instructor: Ms. Clarke-Mayers
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Session 2: July 20-31
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Payne Tech
This two-week workshop introduces environmental and civil engineering to middle school students with hands-on, real-world problems to solve. Students will be designing a water filtration system to clean water for drinking — tackling one of the world’s most essential challenges.
FireSmart: Train Like a Firefighter
FireSmart: Train Like a Firefighter
Instructor: Mr. Chaffee
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 7-17
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Payne Tech
Step into the world of firefighting and emergency management in this hands-on two-week STEAM Academy experience! Students will explore the science of fire through engaging experiments, build disaster preparedness skills, and learn essential first aid techniques used by emergency responders. Throughout the program, participants will suit up in full gear to take part in a realistic search-and-rescue scenario, practice radio communications, and master practical firefighting knots. From fire science to lifesaving skills, this course offers an exciting introduction to the teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world challenges of emergency response.
Page updated
Report abuse