Young Ingenuity Program

The Center for Transportation and Commerce, Galveston Railroad Museum, invites all  students with STEM interests to register for the Young Ingenuity Program, Saturday, February 28, 11 am – 12:30 pm, 2602 Santa Fe Place. Designed to develop technical skills, foster literacy, and prepare young  people for future careers, the goal of the program is to increase access to trades and technology, promote problem-solving, provoke innovation, and to enhance collaboration. Students ages thirteen and older are  encouraged to participate. There is no fee to participate. 

The pilot program was initiated in 2022 when a student approached the museum about the possibility of  tackling the restoration of a train track signal that he saw sitting dormant on the railyard. Acting as mentor,  his father supervised the project, and the museum provided the materials and tools. The signal was  completely restored and placed in the train depot as an interactive display. Another project soon followed and  the museum adopted the educational outreach as the Young Ingenuity Program.  

In addition to students, mentors and volunteers are invited to attend an orientation and registration on  Saturday, February 28, 11 am – 12:30 pm, in the museum auditorium. There is no fee to participate, and projects are assigned based on the student’s interest and ability. The focus of the projects is STEM based and  the projects may range from signals to radios. The program helps build confidence in using skills for  educational, professional, and everyday purposes through hands-on experience, builds critical thinking skills,  and connects the student to career paths.  

Students may work on their project at the museum or at home at their own pace. There is no competition or  grading and brainstorming sessions are encouraged at scheduled meetings at the museum. Completed projects become permanent displays at the museum.  

Volunteers and mentors who would like to share their skills are asked to attend the meeting to register and  meet with museum staff to identify the best placement for their participation.  

The Young Ingenuity Program is an educational outreach project of the Galveston Railroad Museum and is supported by grants and contributions. All information and donation opportunities are online at  www.GalvestonRRmuseum.org/education. 

Those interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities are encouraged to  participate. There are no fees and parking is complimentary.

To learn more about the Young Ingenuity Program, become a mentor, museum volunteer, or donate to Educational Outreach call  (409) 765-5700.

Young Ingenuity Registration Saturday, February 28, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Auditorium