The 2025 CAY Codorus STEAM Ambassadors Showcase Light Up Keystone Kidspace
Celebrating a Summer of Discovery, Leadership, and Learning
On July 24, 2025, energy filled the air at Keystone Kidspace in York, PA as families, educators, and community leaders gathered for the 2025 Crispus Attucks York STEAM Ambassadors Community Showcase. This event marked the conclusion of the Crispus Attucks Codorus STEAM Ambassadors Program (CACSAP)—a six-week summer experience that empowers youth through immersive STEAM education, community exploration, and real-world problem-solving.
The community showcase at Keystone Kidspace gave students the spotlight. Family members and supporters watched as ambassadors proudly presented their final projects—podcasts, digital content, articles, hands-on demos, and more—each one a reflection of their hard work and transformation. The evening also featured opening remarks, a graduation ceremony, and heartfelt reflections by the students themselves.
A Transformative STEAM Experience for Youth
Open to students in grades 10 through rising college freshmen, CACSAP bridges science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through engaging, hands-on learning. Students participated in classroom lessons, career panels, field trips, and collaborative projects that brought STEAM concepts to life in York’s urban and natural environments.
Field experiences included:
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Kayaking at Codorus State Park
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Creek water testing
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Historic walking tours of downtown murals
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Bug catching at Penn State
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A ride and career exploration session at Northern Central Railway
A Welcome from Ky the Chemist: Honoring Our Roots, Elevating Our Future
The evening began with heartfelt remarks from J’Kyra Simpson, known to students as Ky the Chemist, the program’s STEAM consultant and STEM ambassador.
“Before we celebrate our current students and future ambassadors, it’s important that we take a moment to reflect on the past.”
She honored the program’s founding visionaries, Mr. Jamiel Alexander and Mr. Eric Kirkland, who originally launched the Codorus Corridor Program. When their idea didn’t align with the York City School District, Mr. Bobby Simpson of Crispus Attucks York stepped in to bring it to life.
“This year, I was asked to step in… I came into this program quite literally to steam things up! As you’ll see tonight, our students experienced hands-on learning that connected science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in powerful ways.”
Ky closed by inviting everyone to honor the sponsors who made the program possible.
Students Reflect on Growth and Memorable Moments
During the showcase, ambassadors proudly shared their final projects—educational videos, podcasts, articles, and interactive demonstrations. Each presentation was a testament to their growth, creativity, and leadership.
Student Reflections:
“We were able to learn about different ways to make a living. It was very enjoyable to ride the train with the group.”
— Stephon Scott, Dallastown High School (11th grade)
“Catching bugs at the creek was something I never would’ve done on my own. I realized how fun it was. The murals downtown and walking the Codorus were also amazing.”
— Jaziely Vega, Tidings of Peace (10th grade)
“I’m learning about things in our very city that I would’ve never thought of—things I walk past all the time. Kayaking was a big highlight for me.”
— Airiyanna Awotwi, York College of Pennsylvania (Freshman)
“Kayaking was such an enjoyable moment. It was great to see my peers try something new and enjoy themselves!”
— Jemela Hill, Logos Academy (12th grade)
“One quote from the mayor really stuck with me: ‘If you want to change the city, help the city.’ I now see STEM and STEAM in everything we do.”
— Nehemiah Davis, Susquehanna University (Freshman)
“I used to think STEAM was just about formulas and facts. Now I see it as a lens to understand the world—where creativity and logic work together.”
— Abigaille Alexis, Tidings of Peace (11th grade)
Special Thanks to Mayor Helfrich
Thank you, Mayor Helfrich, for joining our students for a meaningful Codorus Creek tour! Your presence and encouragement helped inspire our students to see the environmental, historical, and civic value of the spaces around them. Sharing their insights and passion with you was a proud moment for everyone involved.
“Your curiosity, leadership, and love for nature are exactly what our future needs.” 🌎👏
Meet the Team Behind the Magic
Guiding the students through this transformative summer were:
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Barry Freeland, Program Director
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Angel Gibson, Lead Facilitator
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Ky the Chemist (Jakyra Simpson), STEAM Consultant & STEM Ambassador
Their vision, mentorship, and dedication ensured that every student felt empowered to lead, learn, and explore with confidence.
Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors & Partners! Check out the program.
Looking Ahead: Join the Movement
At Crispus Attucks York, we believe in the power of youth-led change.
“We are the seeds of change—rooted in purpose, rising in power, and reaching for a future only we can imagine.”
🎓 Interested in joining the 2026 cohort or becoming a sponsor?
📧 Contact Barry Freeland at bfreeland@crispusattucks.org
🌐 Learn more: www.crispusattucks.org
Crispus Attucks York extends a heartfelt thank you to Jim McClure for his time, knowledge, and passion during this week’s sessions with our CAY STEAM Ambassador Program. His thoughtful exploration of Codorus Creek’s history, its environmental significance, and the stories of the communities who lived along its banks truly enriched our students’ experience.
We are so grateful for Mr. McClure’s partnership in inspiring the next generation of leaders, historians, and changemakers.
🙏 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners
This program would not have been possible without the generosity and collaboration of our incredible sponsors and community partners. Your support ensures students have access to hands-on education, meaningful mentorship, and transformative experiences:
Sponsors & Funders:
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York County Community Foundation
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City of York
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York County Economic Alliance
Program & Site Partners:
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Keystone Kidspace (host of our showcase)
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Codorus State Park
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Susquehanna Riverlands
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Northern Central Railway
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Penn State Extension
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Martin Library
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Byrnes Health Education Center
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Academic Athlete
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York Water Company
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Parker International Security
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Ophelia’s Making Agency
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York College Center for Community Engagement
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Cultural Alliance of York
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York County History Center
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Jim McClure
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First Capital Federal Credit Union
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Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
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STEAM Sneakerheadz
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OEE Datawatch LLC
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Watershed Alliance of York
To each of you: thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders, scientists, artists, and changemakers.
🎓 Interested in joining the 2026 cohort or becoming a sponsor?
📧 Contact Barry Freeland at bfreeland@crispusattucks.org
🌐 Visit www.crispusattucks.org to learn more.