Summer Program

RELAY Next’s Summer Program offers a full-day, immersive experience for school-age participants, blending STEAM exploration, literacy enrichment, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creative expression. Through hands-on labs, team projects, leadership workshops, and wellness activities, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence. The program provides a structured, nurturing environment that keeps students engaged, inspired, and growing academically and personally during the summer months—especially those from underserved communities.

Summer Options

  • 2-month

    Full day sessions will typically take place during the months schools are closed for the summer.

    Hours and availability can be customized.

  • 6-week

    These sessions work well with both year-round schools (which normally have intermittent 3 week breaks) or with traditionally scheduled schools, allowing for 2 sessions over the summer with a small break between.

Complete Interest Survey

Sample Schedule

(7:30 AM - 6:00 PM)

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Arrival, Breakfast & SEL Grounding

  • Students arrive via drop-off or coordinated transportation.

  • Healthy breakfast is served in a calm, welcoming environment.

  • Daily begins with “Circle Up” SEL sessions, guided by psychologists and team leads:

    • Emotional check-ins (“How are you feeling?” using mood meters)

    • Mindfulness practice or guided journaling

    • Icebreakers and team building

SEL Objective: Develop emotional literacy, create psychological safety, and foster a sense of belonging from the start.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | STEAM Learning Block

  • Students rotate through hands-on STEAM labs that change weekly:

    • Robotics & Engineering Challenges

    • Coding & Game/App Design

    • Environmental Science & Tech in Nature

    • 3D Design or Media Technology (e.g., podcasting, video editing)

  • Instructors apply cooperative learning models with team challenges and end-of-week presentations.

SEL Integration: Emphasize teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, and growth mindset through reflection after labs.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Literacy & Life Skills Lab

  • Students explore:

    • Group reading circles with discussion prompts tied to STEAM, identity, or leadership

    • Financial literacy games and simulations

    • Communication skills, conflict resolution, and digital citizenship

  • Journals are used for daily prompts (“What did I learn?”, “What decision am I proud of today?”)

SEL Integration: Focus on self-awareness, decision-making, and empathy through structured discussions and scenario-based learning.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Midday Reset

  • Lunch is served family-style to promote conversation and inclusive community.

  • Options for:

    • Social recreation (board games, music, gym)

    • Quiet spaces for students needing calm or a break

SEL Note: Staff monitor for emotional fatigue and provide SEL support zones for students needing decompression.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Team Projects & Leadership Development

  • Youth collaborate on:

    • Civic engagement projects (e.g., community cleanups, advocacy campaigns)

    • Youth-led exhibitions (science fair-style demos or media segments)

    • Group problem-solving simulations (design challenges, pitch events)

  • Instructors and psychologists co-facilitate peer feedback rounds and leadership coaching moments.

SEL Integration: Reinforces social awareness, responsible decision-making, and leadership identity development.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Enrichment Electives (Choice-Based)

Students choose from rotating enrichment stations such as:

  • Arts, dance, or music workshops

  • Wellness: yoga, fitness, journaling, or mental health pop-ins

  • Career talks or skill-building (e.g., resume writing, mock interviews, entrepreneurial skillset building )

  • Cultural exploration or language mini-lessons

SEL Tie-In: Encourages autonomy, passion discovery, and self-expression.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Reflection & Closing Circle

  • Students and staff gather for:

    • “One word” wrap-up round

    • Daily shout-outs for teamwork or leadership moments

    • Announcements and preview of next day’s themes

  • Students receive any take-home materials or family communication updates.

SEL Integration: Builds gratitude, reflection, and emotional closure; sets a positive tone for students' return home.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Self-Study, Mentoring, & Tutoring

  • Students will receive tutoring for particularly challenging areas

  • Students will engage with a mentor for life-skill guidance

  • Students will be afforded an opportunity to explore self-study

  • Students will depart for the day