IDRA’s Alamo STEM Youth Summit brought more than 300 students to St. Philip’s College
More than 300 middle and high school students from across the San Antonio region spent a day exploring science, technology, engineering and math during the 2026 Alamo STEM Youth Summit, an event designed to introduce young people to real-world STEM careers.
Hosted by IDRA (Intercultural Development Research Association) and co-hosted by St. Philip’s College, the summit brought together students from eight school districts for a full day of hands-on learning, college exploration and career awareness.
Hands-On STEM Experiences
Students participated in interactive activities that challenged them to think like engineers, programmers and medical professionals.
Among the highlights were coding robots through obstacle courses, solving a cybercrime escape room challenge and exploring the human body using a life-size virtual anatomy table. Additional engineering-focused activities allowed students to experiment with real-world STEM concepts in a collaborative environment.
The hands-on approach allowed students to experience the tools and technologies used in modern industries while strengthening problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Building Pathways to STEM Careers
Organizers say the Alamo STEM Youth Summit is part of a broader effort to strengthen San Antonio’s future workforce by connecting education with career opportunities.
By bringing students onto a college campus and exposing them to emerging fields, the initiative helps young people see how STEM education can translate into real careers in technology, health sciences, engineering and cybersecurity.
Related: STEM-agine That! This Saturday in San Antonio
Exploring College Opportunities
During the summit, students also toured St. Philip’s College, giving many a first look at the college environment and the programs available to support STEM pathways.
The campus visit helped connect classroom learning with higher education opportunities while encouraging students to begin thinking about future academic and career goals.
Participating School Districts
Students attending the summit represented several school districts across the San Antonio area, including:
- East Central ISD
- Edgewood ISD
- Fort Sam Houston ISD
- Harlandale ISD
- Judson ISD
- Northeast ISD
- Randolph Field ISD
- San Antonio ISD
By bringing hundreds of students together for a day of exploration and innovation, organizers say the Alamo STEM Youth Summit continues to play an important role in preparing the next generation of San Antonio scientists, engineers and problem-solvers.
