Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and Memphis native Calvin Austin III returned home with a mission: to inspire the next generation of athletes beyond the football field.
Hosting his first-ever SET4Lyfe STEAM Camp at Harding Academy on July 19, Austin welcomed 25 local students for a day of hands-on activities designed to expose them to new skills, industries and possibilities.
The students were immersed in the world of STEAM โ science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Throughout the day, they took part in interactive workshops designed to spark curiosity and introduce them to careers and hobbies outside the typical classroom and sports field.
โItโs bigger than football,โ Austin said. โI wanted this camp to be a chance for these kids to see the full picture. Yes, you can be an athlete, but you can also be an engineer, a doctor, a music producer, a pilot. Thereโs a world out there beyond what they see on social media.โ
One highlight of the camp was a drone-flying session where students learned the basics of drone operation but also discussed the real-world applications of drone technology in industries such as agriculture, cinematography and engineering.
In another session, students explored the arts component of STEAM by creating musical beats using digital software. With guidance from local producers including Hitkidd and music mentors, kids got the chance to mix sounds, layer tracks and leave with a fresh understanding of music production, a skillset highly relevant in todayโs digital media age.
The engineering portion had students designing and building custom helmets, giving them hands-on experience in basic design thinking, safety science and problem-solving. They not only constructed but learned the science behind how materials protect athletes and workers in different industries.
The camp also integrated physical activity with 40-yard dash drills, but the practice wasnโt just about running fast. It tied back to science, as instructors explained biomechanics, reaction times and the technology used in performance testing.
Austin, who graduated from Harding Academy and the University of Memphis, said his parents always reminded him of the importance of education alongside athletics. His goal was to give back to his community in a meaningful way by exposing students to skills and opportunities that can lead to long-term success.
โThe earlier kids are exposed to these things, the more they believe in whatโs possible,โ Austin said. โItโs about expanding their vision.โ
The camp was powered by Project DMS, a local nonprofit co-founded by Lance Mason, another Harding graduate who grew up in Whitehaven and Westwood.
โGrowing up, I saw what a difference opportunities make,โ Mason said. โAt Harding, we had things like engineering classes and ACT prep, and those extra resources changed the direction of my life. This camp gives kids access to experiences they might never get otherwise.โ
Mason said the combination of education and experience is key.
โThis wasnโt just a day to keep kids busy,โ Mason added. โThey left with knowledge about technology, science, creative arts โ even real-world soft skills like teamwork and communication.โ
From start to finish, the students connected with positive mentors who looked like them, many of whom work in the fields they were introduced to. And Austin made it clear to the kids that they could reach out to him any time for advice and mentorship.
โI want to stay involved with them beyond this day,โ Austin said. โThis is just the beginning. I see this camp growing every year, impacting more kids, bringing in more mentors and offering more opportunities.โ
The SET4Lyfe STEAM Camp was the start of something much bigger, he said.
โIโm proof you can do more than one thing,โ Austin said. โAnd now, these kids know it, too.โ
