The CSIU Girls STEM Camp: Pixels, Paws & Propulsion welcomed 25 future innovators, creators, engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers from June 22-26, 2026.
Campers kicked off the week at the CSIU with an exciting introduction to the experiences ahead, including esports and gaming technology, animal science, cybersecurity, makerspace innovation and hands-on STEM activities.
At the CSIU’s September board meeting, Tanya Dynda, Instructional Technology Support and STEM Specialist, introduced former STEM campers Haley Hampton, Charlotte Serafini, and Haley Young to share some favorite moments from their camp experiences and to encourage girls in the region to participate next summer!
Photo (L to R): Haley Young, Tanya Dynda and Charlotte Serafini
This is one of several STEM opportunities for students across the CSIU Region. Future opportunities for 2026-27 include:
The PA Keystone Challenge
What’s So Cool About Manufacturing
K’nex STEM Design Challenge
Region 4 PSEL eSports
Invention Convention
Math 24
Tanya Dynda collaborated with AI to create this fun, musical summary of the camp’s activity from her perspective: 2026 Girls STEM Camp.
The camp’s inspiring experiences and impact were also highlighted in The Daily Item. Read the feature story to learn more about the students’ week of discovery, creativity and hands-on STEM learning.
CSIU Welcomes Two Facility Therapy Dogs The CSIU is pleased to announce that, through a partnership with Susquehanna Service Dogs, we will welcome two facility therapy dogs to our educational programs: Marine at North Central Secure Treatment Unit (NCSTU) and Reiss at 5 Star Sunbury.
These specially trained dogs will enhance supports for students who have experienced trauma, adverse childhood experiences, emotional regulation challenges, and mental health needs. They will provide a calming presence, help reduce anxiety, foster positive relationships, and support students in developing self-regulation skills during periods of emotional distress. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to creating safe, supportive, and trauma-responsive learning environments. Marine will officially join the CSIU team this October, with Reiss joining the team at 5Star Sunbury shortly thereafter.
Mount Carmel Area Revitalization Initiative: Investing in People & Community Three CSIU YES to the Future participants are gaining valuable hands-on experience through the first workforce development project of the Mount Carmel Area Revitalization Initiative. The cohort began August 10 at the Mount Carmel Area Community Center, where participants are learning alongside experienced professionals while contributing to improvements at an important community asset.
During their first weeks, participants have worked toward OSHA 10 certification and received training in workplace safety, First Aid/AED, tool identification and use, site leveling, electrical basics, and blueprint reading. Just as importantly, they are developing essential workplace skills including professionalism, communication, teamwork, and reliability.
The project is a great example of partnership in action. CSIU YES to the Future program is working alongside Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO), H&P Construction, the Mount Carmel Area Community Center, the Borough of Mount Carmel, SEDA-COG, Bucknell University, Coalfield Development, Partners for Rural Impact, and Bloomberg Philanthropies to connect workforce development with broader community revitalization efforts.
We are proud of the progress our YES participants are already making and excited to see them build their skills and confidence while helping invest in the future of the Mount Carmel community.
21st Century Summer Programming Summer 21st Century programming provided four weeks of engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for students across seven local school districts. Programs operated four hours each day and combined academic enrichment with experiential learning, field trips, recreation, and opportunities to explore resources within their communities. Student participation and attendance were strong throughout the summer, with activities designed to keep students learning, connecting, and having fun beyond the traditional school year.
West Snyder students learned firsthand about bees, pollination, and honey collection through experiences with Hilly Springs Flower Farm and Sweet P. Apiary. Milton students traveled to R.B. Winter State Park, where Park Rangers and a Pennsylvania Game Warden provided an up-close learning experience related to black bear trapping, monitoring, and release. Students even had the unique opportunity to safely observe a live bear in a trap. Experiences such as these demonstrate the value of 21st Century programming in connecting learning to the real world while providing students with memorable opportunities they may not otherwise experience.
Upcoming Board Meeting: October 21, November 18 and December 16
