Innovative Programming

The Steger Center continually offers a wide range of evolving and new programs as unique as the center itself. From individual skills training to youth career empowerment and environmental stewardship, the center continually seeks to cultivate a sense self-reliance, empowerment, and a love for nature among the people we serve.

Summit Academy Program Skills Development & Empowerment

Blending skill development that can help launch life-changing careers in the trades with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, the Steger Center Summit Academy represents the future in our global economy. Read up on the life changing programs that bring inner city teens and adults to our amazing learning lab in Ely.

LEARN MORE

Advanced Women's Timber Framing Equity and Empowerment

A select group of women will experience a unique skill-building program at the Steger Center this summer. Participants in the Advanced Women’s Timber Framing program will gain valuable construction skills, expand their personal horizons, and help build out the Steger Center to its potential.

Program Description

Dry Stone Masonry Locally-Sourced, Lasting Beauty

The Steger Center has been built, in large part, with resources from our immediate surroundings. This new course for 2023 will teach dry stone masonry skills using locally-sourced Ely Greenstone. Participants will learn unique stone mason skills that can be applied in many ways, while they beautifully blend the Steger Center into our natural setting.

Program Description

  • I’ve always wanted to model myself after someone who values what I value regarding nature and the environment. The quality of Will’s life and way’s he’s chosen to be wealthy in terms of skills and freedom show in his demeanor. He’s a friend to all and I really aspire to be that. – Kyle Huberty, Dunwoody Student

  • The Will Steger Center is awe inspiring. You can try to describe it, but you have to be here to feel it. It is a transformative experience. – Melanie Waite-Altringer – Biology Instructor – Anoka Ramsey Community College

  • Our partnership with the Will Steger Center gets students out of the concrete jungle, helps the environment and allows students to practice their craft. – Louis King – President of Summit Academy