Free STEM resources and hands-on workshops for kids, made by students.
Free project guides, course paths, printable worksheets, and browser labs you can start today, plus free engineering, coding, and AI workshops at public libraries for students in 2nd grade and up.
Always free · Grades 2+ · English & Spanish
Why Avanza STEM Exists
Avanza STEM started with a folding table, a box of popsicle sticks, and a few kids at a local library who'd never built anything before. Three hours later, they had bridges strong enough to hold textbooks, and they were already asking when the next workshop was.
We started Avanza STEM because too many STEM programs are expensive, far away, or not offered in Spanish, and that shuts kids out, including in our own community. Avanza STEM is youth-led, free, and focused on reaching Hispanic and underrepresented students across New Jersey, and we're growing beyond it, expanding to other states like California and to countries like Ecuador and Peru.
Read our full storyAccess for All
No cost, no application, no barriers.
Curiosity First
We hand kids materials and let them build, test, and fail until it works.
Community Rooted
We show up at the libraries families already visit.
What Students Actually Do
Every workshop is hands-on. Here's what a typical series looks like, plus a few projects anyone can try at home.
Try these at home
Try It Yourself, Right Now
These are the same kinds of activities from our workshops. No login, no install. Just click and try.
Who It's For
Avanza STEM is open to any student in 2nd grade and up (roughly ages 7–14). Workshops are always free, taught in English and Spanish, and held at partner public libraries across New Jersey, open to families, schools, and community groups.
300+
Students reached in person
20+
Workshops held
374
Real workshop photos
135+
Google visits to STEM resources
22K+
Google appearances for STEM resources
As of August 2026
In their own words
What people are saying
Partner libraries and community groups describe the Maker Mindset Series in their own posts, to their own communities.
The Maker Mindset Series, hosted by Liam Salcedo & Tommy Qi, high school students from Seton Hall Prep, brought students together at The Library of the Chathams for three fun, hands-on STEM workshops. … More than just learning about engineering, coding, and AI, the program gave students the ability to be curious, creative, & collaborative in a welcoming community space.
A big thank you to Liam Salcedo and Tommy Qi, two rising seniors at Seton Hall Prep, for bringing “The Maker Mindset” STEM series to the Roseland Library! During this three-part series, participants ages 8 and up learned how to build and test suspension bridges, Python coding basics, and how artificial intelligence works through fun and interactive approaches.
YA Creates: Maker Mindset Series where students explore engineering, coding and artificial intelligence through hands-on interactive activities with Liam, our volunteer.
For his Eagle Community Service Project, Liam, 17, planned and ran a series of Saturday STEM workshops for kids at the Clifton Public Library last December and January. Liam's goal was to give local children access to engaging STEM opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. … He used it as a springboard to launch Avanza STEM, a youth-led, free STEM resource offering workshops and more, focused on reaching Hispanic and underrepresented students.
Get Involved
Whether you're a student, a parent, or a teacher, there's a way to be part of Avanza STEM.
Students & Families
Want to join a workshop? They run at Clifton Public Library, Allwood Branch Library, Library of the Chathams, Roseland Free Public Library, Wayne Public Library, Verona Public Library, and Little Falls Public Library. Find one near you and sign up, free.
Find a Workshop Near YouSchools, Teachers & Libraries
Want Avanza STEM at your school or library? We bring the materials, lesson plans, and instructors. You bring the students.
Host a Workshop