Starlight Studio aims to provide and support experiential learning opportunities for students in kindergarten through grade twelve and in institutions of higher education. The educational areas of primary focus are science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (“STEAM”). This focus is not intended to be exclusive of other realms of human inquiry and understanding—including the humanities, social sciences, and other disciplines. On the contrary, the program affirms the value of interdisciplinary exploration and recognizes that meaningful learning experiences often cross traditional academic boundaries and draw upon more than one domain of human knowledge and creative expression.
The Problem
Experiential learning is an active educational process often summarized as “learning by doing,” where students gain knowledge through direct experience and critical reflection. Unlike traditional, passive approaches that rely on rote memorization and lectures, this model transforms students from observers into active participants by engaging them with real-world challenges. Through hands-on elements like field work and creative projects—supported by personalized mentorship—students receive a more individualized education that often clashes with the standardized, “one-size-fits-all” structure of conventional schooling. Consequently, many institutions struggle to implement this model because it is inherently more involved and resource-heavy than a standard curriculum. This is particularly evident in the current K-12 system, where budget constraints and shifting priorities have diminished the focus on experiential learning in the arts and sciences. Similarly, colleges face financial and logistical barriers that limit field-based opportunities and access to essential hands-on resources like maker spaces.
Our Solutions
To address these challenges, Starlight Studio provides high-impact experiential learning through immersive five-week workshops for K-5 students. Held directly within local elementary schools, these sessions are led by expert instructors—licensed K-12 teachers—to ensure integrity and integration with public school curricula. Beyond the classroom, our program extends support to higher education to offset the costs of essential field experiences for college students. Furthermore, Starlight Studio invests in specialized scientific instruments that empower both younger students and collegiate scholars to conduct professional-grade field studies,
Our Vision
Starlight Studio aspires to bridge the gap in experiential education by expanding our reach and deepening our impact. We aim to scale our workshops to serve more schools and the full K–12 spectrum, introducing a broader range of STEAM topics that spark lifelong curiosity. We are also committed to enabling robust field experiences for college students that integrate with traditional curricula, ensuring higher education remains grounded in real-world experience and application. Ultimately, we seek to establish a permanent physical home: a state-of-the-art STEAM classroom and maker space. Equipped with tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and a kiln, this hub will serve as a community cornerstone for hands-on innovation and creative discovery.
Starlight Studio is a program and registered d/b/a of the Groff Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
Leadership
Jeff Groff, President and Chair of the Board
Amanda Groff, Vice-President and Board Member
Jenn Williams, Board Member
Benjamin Bankhurst, Board Member
Gabi Gleason, Board Member