The STEAM Scene Monthly Newsletter - September 2026 Edition

Click here to view the September 2026 edition of The STEAM Scene digital newsletter!

Students at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy are tapping into their green thumbs and becoming sustainability conservationists with the school’s newest Eco Club! Created by senior Hawa Massaquoi, members are able to create a positive impact on their school and community while exploring environmental projects and green initiatives. 

When the Mayo Clinic selected just 100 high school students nationwide for its inaugural Pre-College Healthcare Academy, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy student Kylie Jewelz Robinson earned one of those coveted spots. The rising junior earned a full scholarship to attend the highly selective program hosted by the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science at the University of Minnesota Rochester. Running from July 12 through July 24, the academy introduces students to careers in medicine through hands-on learning, mentorship and immersive experiences with healthcare professionals. 

Joseph Engelhardt, the principal of Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, brings more than two decades of educational leadership and classroom experience to his new role. He began his career as a teacher in New York City, where he taught mathematics, science and finance to students in Brooklyn and Manhattan while coaching a variety of athletic programs. Those early experiences shaped his belief that strong relationships, high expectations and meaningful opportunities empower students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

They’ve been thoroughly inspired! Students in the INSPIRE after school program at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy wrapped up the year with their inaugural Starbound Scholars Celebration last week. Students were recognized for their accomplishments in the mentorship program, which just completed its first year. 

Members of the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy Class of 2026 were reminded Thursday that the curiosity, creativity and critical thinking they developed over four years will serve as the foundation for lives of purpose and impact. Families, friends, faculty and administrators filled the auditorium of Mount Vernon High School, where STEAM Assistant Principal Anjanette Brown served as master of ceremonies for a celebration that honored academic achievement, as well as the collaborative spirit that defines the school’s experience.

Mount Vernon STEAM Academy scholars recently attended their annual Senior Award Convocation, where 83 students were recognized for their academic achievements and student accomplishments. There was a plethora of awards students received throughout the evening, including the Tau Epsilon Pi Award, Langston Hughes Award, Most Enthusiastic Award, Most Improved Student Award, School Service Award and more.

After arriving at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy as an unassuming freshman, Anisah Khan is graduating as a valedictorian with an array of accomplishments, including founding the school's chapter of Health Occupations Students of America.The young scholar’s academic success was built on years of discipline and determination that culminated in her decision to pursue a premed track – with a major in biology and minor in history – at New York University.