STEM Takes Center Stage in Grace Place’s Putt-Putt Engineering Challenge

At Grace Place, summer learning means getting hands-on, thinking big, and having a little fun along the way. This week, our high school students took on the Putt-Putt Engineering Challenge, where teams worked together to design and build their own custom mini-golf holes—bringing classroom concepts in math and science to life in a whole new way.

The project challenged students to step outside their comfort zones, use critical thinking, and get creative as they transformed raw materials into playable designs. Along the way, they practiced real-world applications of geometry, physics, and engineering.

And the best part? Our elementary students joined in as official course testers! Their excitement added an extra layer of energy and connection, giving high schoolers a chance to see their hard work in action—and take pride in what they created.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the amazing volunteers who rolled up ready to help. Armed with drills, saws, and a whole lot of encouragement, they guided students through unfamiliar tools and techniques, helping them build not just golf holes, but confidence.

“This challenge gave our high schoolers the chance to try something totally new,” said Marcie Curry, Chief Program Officer. “They weren’t just learning engineering concepts—they were applying them. It was hands-on, collaborative, and full of those lightbulb moments where you see math and physics come to life.”

The Putt-Putt Challenge is just one of the many ways our STEM-focused summer programming is helping students stay curious, connected, and engaged all season long. From drone flight simulations to the Barbie Bungee Drop, every activity is designed to build skills—and spark joy.

Want to support STEM learning at Grace Place? Consider making a gift here.