LIFE 2027: STEAM Academy camp

Oregon School for the Deaf invites Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in grades 4–8 from across Oregon to attend LIFE 2027: STEAM Academy Camp, a statewide middle school conference focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

Through hands-on workshops, STEAM-based learning, collaborative activities, and self-reflection, students will explore how their skills connect to real-world opportunities while strengthening communication, self-advocacy, confidence, and independence.

***DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Thursday, April 1st at 11:59 PM PST***

CONFERENCE DETAILS

📅 April 20-23, 2027
📍 Oregon School for the Deaf
999 Locust Street NE, Salem, OR 97301

👥 Open to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in grades 4–8
💲 Free to attend (registration required)
🍽️ Meals and 🏠 lodging provided (dormitories)
🚗 Transportation is the responsibility of families and school districts. Need assistance? Contact us!

REGISTRATION FORM: COMING SOON

What Students Will Experience

Interactive Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) workshops
Lab activities and problem-solving challenges
Guest presenters
Collaborative learning with Deaf and Hard of Hearing peers from across Oregon

Why LIFE 2027 Matters

The STEAM Academy Camp theme brings together Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics while intentionally emphasizing:

Hands-on, experiential learning that sparks curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Deaf identity and culture, celebrating the unique perspectives and strengths of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students.
Language accessibility and inclusion, welcoming students of all signing levels and supporting the principles of the Deaf Students' Bill of Rights.
Peer connections and belonging, providing opportunities for DHH students across Oregon to build friendships and learn alongside one another.
Future exploration, inspiring students to discover new interests, develop confidence, and recognize possibilities in STEAM-related fields.

Students leave LIFE with more than new knowledge and experiences. They gain meaningful connections, greater confidence in their abilities, and inspiration to explore, create, and shape their futures.