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Dream Builders

Join us for hands-on creativity and problem-solving through The Foundry’s Dream Builders Program! Designed for rising 5th–8th graders, The Foundry runs summer programs and occasional weekend programs to engage middle school students in STEAM and entrepreneurship-based activities. Students explore physics, engineering, and design-thinking while working on exciting projects in our makerspaces. Students collaborate, build, and innovate in a dynamic environment.

Eligibility:

  • Open to students entering 5th - 8th grade in Fall 2025

  • Students must be enrolled in Buffalo Public/Charter Schools or reside in one of the following zip codes: 14201, 14202, 14204, 14206, 14207, 14208, 14209, 14210, 14211, 14212, 14213, 14214, 14215, 14218

  • Each student may only attend for one week. If you enroll a student for more than one week, we will unenroll you for the additional weeks.

Click the week you want to attend to register:

Week 1: Chain Reactions (July 7–11)
Dive into physics and problem-solving by designing and building Rube Goldberg machines. Students will explore how energy transfers through creative kinetic challenges, testing their designs in a fun and dynamic way.

Week 2: Community Makers – Design for Good (July 14–18)
Students will design and build hands-on maker projects that serve the local community. They will identify needs, brainstorm creative solutions, and craft items such as benches, sensory gardens, or educational tools, fostering collaboration and a sense of civic responsibility.

Week 3: Things in Motion (July 21–25)
Explore the science of movement with hands-on engineering and physics challenges. Students will design, build, and test contraptions like catapults, mini-vehicles, and wind-powered structures while learning the fundamentals of motion and force.

Week 4: Backyard Science (July 28–August 1)
Discover the wonders of biology, chemistry, and environmental science through interactive outdoor experiments. Students will investigate local ecosystems, conduct water quality tests, and engage in plant-based science projects.

Week 5: Let’s Get Creative (August 4–8)
A week of hands-on making, crafting, and designing! Students will explore different creative mediums, from woodworking to fabric arts and sculpture, allowing them to express their artistic side while learning valuable maker skills.

Week 6: Cardboard Innovation (August 11–15)
Think outside the box—literally! Students will use recyclable materials to create large-scale structures, furniture, and prototypes, emphasizing problem-solving, sustainability, and design thinking.

Daily Schedule:

  • 8:45 – 9 AM – Drop Off

  • 9:00 – 9:30 AM – Check-In & Morning Movement

  • 9:30 – 11:30 AM – Hands-on STEAM Activities

  • 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM – Lunch & Mid-Day Brain Break

  • 12:15 – 2:00 PM – Afternoon Activity (guest speakers, fieldwork, or extended projects)

  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM – Board Games & Team-Building Challenges

  • 3:00-3:15 PM – Pick-up

Schedule & Location:

  • Dates: July 7 – Aug 15

  • Days: Monday – Friday

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Drop-off begins at 8:45 AM, Pick-up by 3:15 PM)

  • Location: The Foundry, 298 Northampton St, Buffalo, NY 14208

  • Capacity: 10 students per week

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable clothing that can get messy

  • Closed-toe shoes for safety

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Sunscreen (for outdoor activities)

  • Lunch – Students may bring their meals; otherwise, breakfast and lunch will be provided by the Buffalo Public Schools.

This program is made possible with generous support from:

Foundation 214