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Florida Polytechnic University is launching its first-ever summer camp tailored to students entering grades 3-12.

Florida Poly launches Phoenix STEM Academy summer camp

March 26, 2026

Florida Polytechnic University is launching its first-ever summer camp, the Phoenix STEM Academy, offering students entering grades 3-12 an immersive, hands-on experience designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Hosted on the University’s campus in Lakeland, the weeklong camps will feature engaging, project-based learning led by Florida Poly faculty, local educators, and trained student counselors. Participants will explore real-world STEM concepts through interactive activities tailored to their age group.

“Phoenix STEM Academy reflects our commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators by providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences,” said Kerri Demeri, director of auxiliary enterprises at Florida Poly. “We want students to see themselves in STEM and discover what’s possible.”

The summer program is open to students of all experience levels who are interested in exploring STEM in a fun and supportive environment.

Camp Details

  • What: Phoenix STEM Academy summer camp
  • Who: Students entering grades 3-12 (grouped by age)
  • Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
  • Dates:
    • June 8-12
    • June 22-26
    • July 13-17
    • July 20-24
  • Cost: $450 for elementary and middle school sessions; $550 for high school sessions
  • Registration includes daily lunch, all materials and supplies, and a camp T-shirt.

Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. For more information, visit the Phoenix STEM Academy website. To register, click here.

 

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.