About Us

Formed on the idea that we all have gifts of art that we must use STEM to bring that art to life by Roman Sudan Montagueo and Reno Pratt, Jr. in November of 2019. Incorporated as a nonprofit (501c3) in the State of Maryland (Prince Georges County) on September 05, 2020.

Our mission is to engage (create a safe space for fun and innovative ways to get their attention), inspire (make it about making their dreams come true), empower (describe and show examples of how they can get an education or career) to get into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers.

Roman Sudan Montagueo, Co-Founder and Creator

and how do we plan to scale?

Our Vision: At STEAM Your Dreams, we envision a future where learning is not just a process but an immersive adventure. We believe that by harnessing the power of gamification, we can make STEM subjects more accessible, enjoyable, and impactful for young minds. We have developed an educational sports league with a subscription based model for schools, parks and recreation centers, and other organizations that run kid programming to join and be apart of the greater community. Our league participants organize and operate in local school year tournaments either during school or after school times. Then in the summer they meet for city or regional or national championships in STEAM XR Sports events such as the Ocean Bowl Games.

Akilah Stevens, Executive Director

About STEAM Your Dreams:

STEAM Your Dreams is a dynamic non-profit organization based in PG County, MD committed to revolutionizing the learning experience across the DMV area for youth (elementary and middle school students) by seamlessly blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEM w/Arts) with the engaging world of eGaming and eSports. Our mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers, and problem solvers through a gamified approach to education with the ultimate goal of providing human capital for the STEM workforce gaps that exist in science, coding, Artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Key Components of STEAM Your Dreams:

1. STEM Integration: We seamlessly integrate STEM concepts into our programs, making learning an exciting journey rather than a conventional classroom experience. Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and a deep understanding of STEM principles.
2.  eGaming Exploration: Recognizing the popularity and engagement potential of eGaming, we leverage this medium to create educational content that aligns with gaming culture. Through interactive modules, challenges, and projects, we encourage participants to explore the intersections of gaming and STEM, sparking a passion for learning.
3.  eSports Engagement: STEAM Your Dreams embraces the competitive spirit of eSports 2.0 as a means to teach teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. Esports 2.0 is the evolution of competitive e-gaming where gamers compete in multiple indie and mobile video games whether in a team or individual format. Our eSports programs and leagues not only provide a platform for friendly competition but also serve as a vehicle for skill development and personal growth.

Key Programs:

1. STEAM XR (Extended Reality) Sports (our flagship platform and program): STEAM XR Sports, an innovative program offered by SYD, builds upon the foundation of our successful STEAM eSports initiative, offering a comprehensive platform for ongoing learning and engagement. This cutting-edge platform empowers community organizations and eSports leagues to participate in a diverse array of recreational games and sports, including brain games rooted in science-based projects, agronomics, and paper planes. Additionally, participants can immerse themselves in eGaming and eSports 2.0, competing in thrilling eGames while earning points and experiencing a fully gamified learning journey. Ultimately, participants vie for the coveted title of STEAM XR Sports Champion, combining fun and competition with valuable STEAM education.
2. STEAM eSports: STEAM eSports, a program offered by SYD, is inspired by the eSports 2.0 industry, featuring competitive gameplay of indie games in 1vs1 or team vs team formats. Our engaging program, typically catering to participants aged 7 and above in after-school clubs, offers an integrated experience. Participants design, build (utilizing tools like AI), and present their own games to coaches and league teams, subsequently competing by playing these newly created games. This initiative empowers participants to leverage STEAM education, delve into the business aspects of game design, development, and publishing, and gain insights into the eSports industry, allwhile acquiring transferable and marketable skills. The program aims to enhance literacy and math scores, foster positive social and emotional behaviors in children, stimulate interest in STEM careers, promote teamwork, nurture creative thinking, and enhance problem-solving skills.
   1. Sub-Program- Harlem CODEtrotters- STEAM Your Dreams’ STEAM E-Sports program, in partnership with The Harlem Codetrotters, a collaboration involving the Harlem Globetrotters and Microsoft, is revolutionizing STEAM (STEM with the arts) education by integrating coding and e-gaming to inspire the next generation of talent. This innovative initiative merges basketball excitement with STEAM education, engaging students, particularly those from underserved communities, in interactive activities focused on coding, game design/development, and other STEAM concepts. Led by experienced coaches, the program offers hands-on activities, demonstrations, and coaching sessions to emphasize the importance of STEAM skills. By integrating sports entertainment with STEAM education, the Harlem Codetrotters program ensures learning is both engaging and accessible, fostering a passion for STEAM and equipping young people with valuable skills. A standout feature is the integration of the STEAM E-Sports 2.0 model, is that throughout the 8 week program, participants earn points, awards, and badges on a leaderboard, enhancing their experience. 1) Participants do evidence based learning of video game design (UDL) and coding, 2) they present those game  projects to an audience of peers and coaches using project based learning methods , 3) as a grand finale of the program they compete in an e-gaming tournament and award ceremonies where they receive prizes and awards.  This edutainment experience helps to solidify the additional program goals of SEL, critical thinking, and team building. This pioneering effort leverages e-gaming and coding to educate and inspire students about STEM opportunities, shaping the next generation of talent and empowering them for rewarding STEM careers.

How We Gamify Learning:

1. Mission-Based Learning: Participants embark on educational missions where they tackle real-world problems, physical activities, and brain games earning points and rewards as they progress. This approach instills a sense of achievement and motivation to explore further.
2.  Interactive Challenges: We create hands-on challenges and science based projects that align with gaming scenarios. This hands-on approach allows participants to apply STEM knowledge in practical situations, reinforcing their understanding and skills.
3. Leaderboards and Rewards: Healthy competition is encouraged through leaderboards that showcase achievements and progress. Participants earn rewards, badges, and recognition for their accomplishments, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Impact: STEAM Your Dreams has witnessed transformative changes in participants’ attitudes towards STEM subjects. By intertwining learning with the excitement of gaming and eSports. We have successfully ignited a passion for knowledge, collaboration, and innovation among the youth throughout the DMV area for over 15,000 participants and their families.

Join Us in Shaping the Future: STEAM Your Dreams invites educators, parents, community organizations, and young learners to join our movement towards redefining education. Let’s embark on this gamified journey together, creating a world where every dream is within reach through the power of STEM and the thrill of gaming.

Transforming education, one game at a time. Let’s make an IMPACT together!

Akilah Stevens, Executive Director

I would welcome you to visit our website and social media pages for additional information:

www.steamyourdreams.org; www.steamxrsports.org

@gosteamesports (Instagram)

@gosteamxrsports (Instagram)

“STEAM eSports” AND “STEAM XR Sports (You Tube)

Thanks,

Akilah Stevens

Cell: 301-213-3606 

Executive Director

S.T.E.A.M. Your Dreams, Inc.  (Website: http://steamyourdreams.org)