Empowering Future Leaders Through STEAM Excellence
Welcome to Let’s Grow STEAMx, where we don’t just talk about the future—we build it. One bold idea, one fearless student, one immersive experience at a time.
Our mission is clear: to inspire future leaders through immersive STEAM experiences, foster curiosity, expand opportunities, and in doing so—strengthen communities. We call it #IFES. But it’s more than an acronym—it’s a movement.
At Let’s Grow STEAMx, we believe that science, technology, engineering, arts, and math aren’t just subjects—they’re the building blocks of a more equitable, empowered world. And we’re here to make sure every young mind—regardless of zip code—gets access to those building blocks.
Our Journey: From Spark to Movement
Let’s Grow STEAMx started in 2014 with one big question: What if we gave future leaders a space to build, create, and imagine – on their terms?
We launched with a single community-based STEAM competition where students transformed curiosity into innovation—and got recognized for it. By 2016, that one spark evolved into the Youth College and Career Expo (YCCExpo)—a dynamic experience connecting students with colleges, corporations, and changemakers ready to invest in their futures.
That wasn’t a pivot. That was purpose.
Because when young people are given access, encouragement, and real opportunity—they don’t just participate. They lead.
Our Journey: From Spark to Movement
Let’s Grow STEAMx started in 2014 with one big question: What if we gave future leaders a space to build, create, and imagine – on their terms?
We launched with a single community-based STEAM competition where students transformed curiosity into innovation—and got recognized for it. By 2016, that one spark evolved into the Youth College and Career Expo (YCCExpo)—a dynamic experience connecting students with colleges, corporations, and changemakers ready to invest in their futures.
That wasn’t a pivot. That was purpose.
Because when young people are given access, encouragement, and real opportunity—they don’t just participate. They lead.
Welcome to Let’s Grow STEAMx where we are on a mission to empower our future leaders with real world connections to their education! We understand the immense importance of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) subjects in today’s global workforce. Our vision is to ensure that young minds in the greater Columbus region and beyond not only discover but also embrace the boundless opportunities and possibilities in the world of STEAM.
Our journey began in 2014 with an idea to provide an opportunity to exhibit STEAM education through project-based learning activities. Future leaders throughout Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama registered for an opportunity to showcase their projects and win prizes. In 2016, the success of this community STEAM competition evolved, allowing the introduction of the inaugural Youth College and Career Expo (YCCExpo), a game changer for local future leaders seeking information on educational and career pathways in STEAM. By bringing together businesses, community organizations, colleges, and universities, YCCExpo opens a whole new world of opportunities, inspiring countless future leaders to dream big about their life after high school.
Our passion to provide fun educational offerings for future leaders continued to evolve as we discovered soap box derby (gravity) racing, to be a perfect fit with our core values of fostering steam learning through an academic sport. Since 2017, we’ve been organizing free STEAM base workshops in the community, bringing the thrill of gravity racing to young enthusiasts. Collaborating with esteemed partners like Albany State University, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, the Columbus Museum, and Columbus State University Math Collaborative, we’ve showcased the fascinating aspects of engineering, science and math behind gravity racing.
Over the years, we’ve grown and expanded our program to include a sanctioned race, a significant milestone for us. This progressive step has allowed participants to compete at the international soapbox Derby in Akron, Ohio, where they rub shoulders with racers from around the globe, experiencing the thrill of healthy competition and friendship with a focus on education.
Today, we are thrilled to share the expansion of our platform, dedicated to nurturing future leaders. Our year-round college and career readiness program offers a wealth of opportunities, including mentorship, mock interviews, college and career exploration, as well as engaging coding, engineering activities, and gravity racing.
Together, let’s pave the way for a bright and successful future! Join us at Let’s Grow STEAMx and together, let’s nurture a generation of curious, innovative, and confident young learners who will shape the future with their STEAM powered brilliance!
Our Journey: From Spark to Movement
Let’s Grow STEAMx started in 2014 with one big question: What if we gave future leaders a space to build, create, and imagine – on their terms?
We launched with a single community-based STEAM competition where students transformed curiosity into innovation—and got recognized for it. By 2016, that one spark evolved into the Youth College and Career Expo (YCCExpo)—a dynamic experience connecting students with colleges, corporations, and changemakers ready to invest in their futures.
That wasn’t a pivot. That was purpose.
Because when young people are given access, encouragement, and real opportunity—they don’t just participate. They lead.
Since its inception, Let’s Grow STEAMx has exposed thousands of students to hands-on experiences, internships, networking, and college and career opportunities in the local region and beyond…and we’re just getting started!
Our Mission
Let’s Grow STEAMx’s mission is to inspire future leaders through immersive STEAM experiences, foster curiosity, expand opportunities, thereby strengthening communities. #IFES
To enrich, grow, and strengthen the offerings of education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in an informal, fun, community atmosphere that activates greater depth of learning for participants.
Our Vision
Let’s Grow STEAMx envisions a world where every future leader is empowered to become a productive global citizen.
Our Values
Love – The intentional and selfless practice of kindness, empathy and respect towards others.
Perseverance – To maintain a purpose in spite of obstacles by embracing hard work while developing the confidence to achieve.
Commitment – A promise to selflessly share our time and resources while making holistic investments.
Excellence – A high level of positive work ethic and effort which fosters a culture of greatness.
Community – An environment with a deep sense of acceptance where individuals feel valued and empowered to be authentic
Our Values
Love – The intentional and selfless practice of kindness, empathy and respect towards others.
Perseverance – To maintain a purpose in spite of obstacles by embracing hard work while developing the confidence to achieve.
Commitment – A promise to selflessly share our time and resources while making holistic investments.
Excellence – A high level of positive work ethic and effort which fosters a culture of greatness.
Community – An environment with a deep sense of acceptance where individuals feel valued and empowered to be authentic
To empower future leaders and communities worldwide to harness the limitless power of their imagination. Through our competitive, traveling educational platforms, enriching camps, and innovative products, we cultivate a lifelong love for learning. Join us on this transformative journey!
Our Team
Robbie Branscomb, CEO & President
Tasheé Singleton, CFO & COO
Darron Lamkin, Educational Director, River City Race Program
Board of Directors
Our Board is made up of bold leaders who believe in access, equity, and excellence. They act as the bridge between public education and the private sector—connecting young innovators with the future they deserve and helping employers discover the talent they need.
They don’t just sit at the table.
They bring chairs.
They open doors.
They create change.
Our Board of Directors is passionate about creating access and opportunity for young people in STEAM. They serve as a liaison between public schools and the private sector, connecting employers with their future workforce and helping youth make informed, inspired decisions about their education after high school.
David Britt, II, LGSx Chairman
Lionel Haynes, Jr, Finance & Risk, Nominating Committee
Ethan Branch, LGSx Board Member, Volunteer Leadership
Ebone’ Cutts Ed. S, LGSx Board Member, College and Career Readiness
Mark Harris, LGSx Board Member, River City Race Program
Wanja Ngugi, LGSx Board Member, Development
Karen M. Price, LGSx Board Member, Finance & Risk
James Ray, LGSx Board Member, Education Council
Honorable Calvin Smyre, LGSx Board Member
Miriam Williams, LGSx Board Member, Governance
David Britt, II
LGSx Chairman
Meet David Britt, an experienced public professional with a background in leadership, tax administration, Georgia law interpretation, and public service. He has served as the Deputy Tax Commissioner of Muscogee County since 2010. David is a Columbus, GA native, a graduate of Kendrick High School and Columbus State University, and he serves on the Board of Directors and the Technology team at New Birth Outreach Church. His favorite quote comes from Hebrews 12:1, “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Lionel Haynes, Jr
Finance & Risk, Nomination Committee
Meet Lionel Haynes, Jr., a former U.S. Army Reservist and currently still serves the Department of Defense as a budget analyst. He is an honor graduate of the U.S. Army Finance School and serves as a Director on the Board of the Columbus State University Alumni Association. A strong advocate for our schools and youth, Lionel is driven by the words of Benjamin E. Mayes, PhD., 6th President of Morehouse College: “Whatever you do, strive to do it so well that no man living and no man dead and no man yet born can do it any better.”
Ethan Branch
LGSx Board Member, Volunteer Leadership | Director since 2023
Meet Ethan Branch, who serves as a School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Fort Moore since 2018. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a background in Secondary Social Science Education. Prior to his current role, he taught high school history in the state of Alabama.
One of the most important duties he performs as a SLO is supporting military families during educational transitions. He is passionate about helping schools, the installation, and families work together for student achievement.
Ebone’ Cutts Ed. S
LGSx Board Member, College and Career Readiness | Director since 2023
Meet Ebone’ Cutts ED.S, Assistant Principal at Kendrick High School in Columbus, Georgia. Ebone’ holds degrees from both Alabama State University and Columbus State University, she demonstrates a strong commitment to providing meaningful learning opportunities for all future leaders, particularly those from challenged backgrounds.
Ebone’ firmly believes in the mantra, “Leadership is not a position, it’s an action, “driving her dedication to fostering positive change and empowering students to reach their full potential.
Mark Harris
LGSx Board Member, River City Race Program | Director since 2023
Meet Mark Harris, an experienced energy utility professional with a background in environmental engineering, regulatory policy development, nuclear energy, natural gas operations, and emergency management. Currently, Mark leads crisis prevention efforts within the Southern Company. Mark was raised in Waverly Hall, GA and attended Harris County High School. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Mercer University and a Master of Engineering degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Mark currently resides in Ellerslie, GA with his wife, Tionna, and their three children (Aaron, Alesia, & Alayna). They attend Christ Community Church and are a part of the worship team.
Wanja Ngugi
LGSx Board Member, Development | Director since 2023
Meet Wanja Ngugi, who serves as the Assistant Director at the Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center, boasting a career spanning 16 years in higher education and nonprofits, with a primary focus on development.
She holds a BA in International Studies and Women Studies from Denison University (Granville, OH) and an MPA from Columbus State University.
With a strong belief in the transformative power of relationship building, she looks forward to collaborating with Let’s Grow STEAMx to impact positive change in future leaders.
Karen M. Price
LGSx Board Member, Finance & Risk
Meet Karen M. Price, a native of North Carolina, but now resides in Columbus, Georgia. She attended Shaw University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiotherapy, a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Argosy University.
Karen completed 20 years of service in the U.S. Army as a Medical Logistician where she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. She has additionally sought to expand her professional development through an Organizational Development Course under Stanford University and her in-progress certification within the Employee Assistance Professionals. Karen currently works for Muscogee County School District, J.A. Long Road Construction, and is a board member of the Columbus Junior Cotillion. She also annually hosts Game Set Be the Match for Bone Marrow and Stem Cells Registry at Green Island Country Club.
In her free time, she enjoys family time, biking, pickleball, and taking walks with her dog, Maggie.
James Ray
LGSx Board Member, Education Council | Director since 2023
Meet James Ray, a Miami, FL native, and the Assistant Principal at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Phenix City, AL, with 23 years of dedicated experience in education. His career encompasses diverse roles including elementary school teacher, Lead Math and Science teacher, STEM Magnet Coordinator, Regional Science Coach and Elementary Dean.
Mr. Ray actively collaborates with a diverse group to enhance STEAM exposure for students, the district, and the community. His educational philosophy centers on holistic transformation within the school environment, nurturing students for success in STEAM careers.
Beyond work, Mr. Ray finds fulfillment in serving others, embodying the quote, “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift.”
Honorable Calvin Smyre
LGSx Board Member
Meet the Honorable Calvin Smyre, business executive, former state legislator, community and national leader, earned his BS degree from Fort Valley State University in 1970, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. He holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Morehouse School of Medicine.
His career path has taken him from being a community organizer and director of “War on Poverty” program in Columbus to his current position as Executive Vice President, Corporate External Affairs, Synovus Financial Corp. (Retired – December 2014)
Elected at the age of 27, he is now the “Dean” of the Georgia General Assembly. As a 46-year legislative veteran, he serves on the most important panels of the House: Appropriations, Rules and Higher Education.
Rep. Smyre has a distinguished legislative record which includes authoring the legislation making Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday a state holiday and legislation creating the Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons. He was also instrumental and co-sponsor of the historic legislation creating a new Georgia State Flag and the HOPE Scholarship Program.
Nationally, he is President Emeritus of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) and a Past President of the NBCSL Foundation.
Miriam Williams
LGSx Board Member, Finance & Risk | Director since 2023
Meet Karen M. Price, a native of North Carolina, but now resides in Columbus, Georgia. She attended Shaw University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiotherapy, a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Argosy University.
Karen completed 20 years of service in the U.S. Army as a Medical Logistician where she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. She has additionally sought to expand her professional development through an Organizational Development Course under Stanford University and her in-progress certification within the Employee Assistance Professionals. Karen currently works for Muscogee County School District, J.A. Long Road Construction, and is a board member of the Columbus Junior Cotillion. She also annually hosts Game Set Be the Match for Bone Marrow and Stem Cells Registry at Green Island Country Club.
In her free time, she enjoys family time, biking, pickleball, and taking walks with her dog, Maggie.
