CODE313’s 2026 STEAM SLAM was nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a vision to create an engaging, hands-on tech experience for students across Detroit turned into one of our largest and most impactful events to date.

In partnership with the Science & Engineering Fair, this two-day experience took place at Huntington Place, bringing together innovation, exploration, and hands-on learning at scale. Designed for youth of all ages to Imagine, Discover, and Explore, the event featured interactive science fair activations, workshops, and immersive tech experiences that sparked curiosity and creativity across every space.

Over the course of two days, we welcomed 5,337 attendees on Thursday, March 19th and 2,286 on Friday, March 20th, bringing us close to 8,000 participants. Students, educators, families, and community members filled the space with energy, curiosity, and excitement, all coming together to explore the endless possibilities within STEAM.

This wasn’t just an event, it was a movement in action.

A City Powered by Collaboration

One of the defining elements of this year’s STEAM SLAM was the incredible lineup of partners and vendors who helped create a dynamic, multi-layered experience for students.

With over 20+ engaging workshops and activations, participants had the opportunity to interact with industry professionals, educators, and innovators across a wide range of STEAM fields.

Activation partners included:

• LIFT – introducing advanced manufacturing and career pathways in industry and technology
• Funding Monday – empowering students with financial literacy and entrepreneurship knowledge
• Girl Scouts Mobile Unit – providing hands-on activities and leadership-based learning experiences
• DJ Steel – setting the tone with today’s most popular music, creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere
• Good Boy Media – capturing powerful moments through photography and videography
• Handz Down Mobile Gaming – delivering an immersive gaming truck experience
• First Flight Drones – offering real-world drone flight experiences and career exposure
• MSU 4-H Extension & Wayne State University – connecting students to higher education pathways and hands-on STEM learning
• Just Air – showcasing drone innovation and technology applications
• Star Factory – introducing scholars to music production and creative tech
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) – Detroit Professionals – providing mentorship and insight into engineering careers
• Raspberry Pi Foundation – supporting accessible computing and coding education for young learners
• Kid Chemist – bringing science to life through engaging, hands-on experiments
• Journi – exposing students to innovative learning and career exploration tools
• IT Figures – highlighting pathways in information technology and digital careers

Each partner brought a unique layer of exposure, helping students see not just what STEAM is but what it can become for them.

CODE313 Zones: Where Innovation Came to Life

Alongside our partners, CODE313 created immersive, hands-on zones designed to keep students actively engaged and learning through doing.

These included:

• Drone Flight Stations – where students piloted drones and explored flight mechanics
• Drone Basketball Challenges – combining fun and skill-building in a competitive format
• Robotics & Robot Booster Stations – giving scholars the chance to build, test, and interact with robotics systems
• Virtual Reality Experiences – transporting students into new digital worlds through immersive tech
• Esports Gaming Areas – connecting students to the growing world of competitive gaming and digital strategy

Each space was intentionally designed to remove barriers to entry and encourage exploration, creativity, and confidence.

An Experience That Reached Beyond the Moment

What made this year’s STEAM SLAM so powerful wasn’t just the number of attendees, it was the depth of engagement.

Students weren’t just observing, they were:

Building, Coding, Flying, Designing, Competing, Creating

For many, this was their first time interacting with this level of technology. For others, it sparked a deeper interest in pathways they hadn’t previously considered.

The energy in the room was undeniable and the impact will extend far beyond these two days.

A Community Effort, A Shared Success

Events of this scale don’t happen without collaboration, commitment, and a shared belief in what’s possible for our students. To every partner, vendor, volunteer, and supporter, thank you. Your presence, flexibility, and dedication helped us create something truly meaningful.

Looking Ahead

For CODE313, STEAM SLAM is more than an annual event it’s a reflection of our mission:
to provide equitable access to STEAM education, creating engaging and transformative experiences for every student.

With nearly 8,000 participants impacted this year, we are more motivated than ever to continue building spaces where students can explore, create, and see themselves in the future of technology.

This was our biggest one yet but we’re just getting started.