February 24, 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Missoula YMCA, Coding for Kids, and the University of Montana Summer Office Collaborate on New STEAM-Focused Camps 

New Partnership Strives to Bring More Technology Opportunities to Western Montana Children 

Missoula, MT – The Missoula Family YMCA is proud to announce a partnership with Coding for Kids and the University of Montana Summer Office to offer brand-new, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)-focused camps this summer for children in grades 3-12. This new partnership, known as Dream Hackerz, strives to expand access to technology opportunities for youth throughout Western Montana. 

“This partnership is about more than just summer activities—it’s a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators in our community,” said Heather Foster, CEO of the Missoula Family YMCA. “As organizations that focus on youth, it was a natural fit for the Y to partner with Coding for Kids and the University of Montana Summer Office. We're so excited to combine the strengths of our three organizations to provide some really unique, hands-on learning opportunities for kids." 

The camps, which start in June, will be offered in week-long blocks, giving campers opportunities to learn from and work with professional instructors to develop skills in areas including coding, graphic design, GIS, robots and e-gaming. 

"These camps provide children opportunities to challenge themselves and develop their technology skills," said Loey Knapp, Director of Coding for Kids. "It's incredible to watch kids light up as they learn how to use technology to flex their creativity to build and design fun, new creations." 

The Dream Hackerz partnership is funded by the generous support of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, the Gianforte Family Foundation, the High Stakes Foundation, and the Jane S. Heman Foundation. The University of Montana is donating use of its computing center space as a gift-in-kind to the program. Missoula YMCA Contact Kat Franchino Marketing Director 406-532-6262 kfranchino@ymcamissoula.org Coding for Kids Contact Loey Knapp 406-529-9715 contact@codingbittterroot.org UM Summer Office Contact Julie Cahill Assoc. Vice Provost, Educational Initiatives & Innovation 406-243-5658 julie.cahill@mso.umt.edu 

Registration for Dream Hackerz camps will be available at the Missoula YMCA or online at ymcamissoula.org on Monday, March 3, at 7 a.m. Early access registration is available for families with YMCA membership starting Saturday, March 1, at 9 a.m. For additional details on camp schedules, program fees and enrollment, visit www.ymcamissoula.org/programs/camps/summer-day-camps. Financial assistance is available for all YMCA summer camps, including Dream Hackerz. 

About Missoula Family YMCA: The Missoula Family YMCA has served the greater Missoula community since 1967. Its mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. From youth sports and summer camp to group fitness classes and child care, the Missoula Y offers programs that help each Missoulian reach their full potential. 

About Coding for Kids in the Bitterroot: Coding for Kids, a nonprofit in the Bitterroot Valley, is designed for students in grades 1-12 to explore science, digital art, and technology through practical and interactive methods. We believe science and technology are core skills required for a successful future. We distinguish ourselves by designing classes focused on practical, experiential learning with active student participation. This could be building a robot to deliver a package, learning to fly a drone, creating a digital story, collecting real data to construct a map … or so many other technology-based activities. 

About the University of Montana Summer Office: The University of Montana Summer Office operates under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Initiatives and Innovation. The primary goal of the UM Summer Office is to support the success of all summer learners by providing comprehensive course offerings and hands-on learning opportunities in an exceptional environment. Our vision is to create a unique and top-tier academic summer experience that meets the needs of all learners. 

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