SC State Hosts 'STEM & Agriculture Saturday Academy' for Students

The free program aims to prepare Lowcountry youth for careers in science, technology, engineering, math, and agriculture.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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SC State 1890 Coastal Extension hosted a free 'STEM & Agriculture Saturday Academy' for Lowcountry students ages 5 to 18 to engage them in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and agriculture. The academy featured large group learning sessions, breakout sessions on topics like 4-H, sewing, and seed planting, as well as a partnership with the Boeing Dream Learners Program.

Why it matters

The Saturday Academy aims to address food security, agricultural career pathways, and the need to better prepare young students, especially from underserved communities, for higher education and careers in STEM fields.

The details

The academy holds events two Saturdays a month at the Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston. Students participated in a large group learning session and breakout sessions exploring 4-H and agriculture pathways, sewing lessons, seed planting, and more. They were also provided with a free breakfast. In addition, the Boeing Dream Learners Program partnered with the academy to teach students about the Boeing 737 aircraft.

  • The academy's second event was held on Saturday, March 1, 2026.

The players

SC State 1890 Coastal Extension

The Coastal Extension program of South Carolina State University, which hosted the STEM and Agriculture Saturday Academy.

Dr. Sabrina Edwards

The Assistant Regional Director for the Coastal Region of SC State 1890 Research & Extension, who said the program is designed to engage young students in science and mathematics.

Dr. Bazgha Zia

A plant scientist who said the program addresses food security and agricultural career pathways.

Tyreonna Major

A fourth-grade student who said she is interested in expanding her skills beyond math and learning more about engineering.

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What they’re saying

“This is our opportunity for our young scholars who have innovative minds to come and learn about science and enjoy mathematics.”

— Dr. Sabrina Edwards, Assistant Regional Director, SC State 1890 Research & Extension

“I will teach them how they can step into the agricultural sector for their life and how food security can be enhanced.”

— Dr. Bazgha Zia, Plant Scientist

“I'm really good at math, but I want to know a lot about engineering.”

— Tyreonna Major

What’s next

The Saturday Academy will continue to hold events two Saturdays per month at the Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston.

The takeaway

The STEM and Agriculture Saturday Academy is an important initiative to engage underserved youth in South Carolina in critical fields like science, technology, engineering, math, and agriculture, helping to build a more diverse pipeline of future leaders and innovators.