Welcome to the World's #1 STEAM Program

Where Engineering Meets Imagination©

Challenge Island® is the Official Home of STEAMbuilding® and STEAM Teams®
The Challenge Island Difference

Our Results Show in Our Awards

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Palm Tree Pillars

The Foundational Pillars of our Program that Make Challenge Island the Go-To Choice for Millions of Parents and Educators

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STEM + ART = STEAM

"To develop a complete mind, study the science of art; study the art of science; realize that everything connects to everything else." - Leonardo DaVinci

21st Century Skills

We foster the fundamental skills kids need to thrive today and tomorrow including creativity, collaboration, communication, flexibility and leadership.

Higher Level Thinking Skills

Our programs promote deep, critical, analytical and creative thinking abilities in kids which help ensure their long-term academic and professional success.

Project Based Learning

Our STEAM Teams® engage in collaborative, inquiry-based, student-driven learning grounded in real world connections and meaningful problem-solving.

Island Destinations

Whimsical island ambience combined with cross-curricular themes make the Challenge Island experience an unforgettable adventure.

Social-Emotional Learning

We foster the social and emotional intelligence children need to form healthy relationships, make positive choices and find fulfillment in life.

Resilience

Research shows that a Challenge-Island-palm-tree-like ability to be flexible and strong through life’s ”storms” is far more essential to future success than IQ.

Steam Teams

No child is an island which is why kids tackle our hundreds of proprietary challenges by combining their strengths with those of a STEAM Team of friends.

Screen Free Fun

Our programs provide digital native kids the precious opportunity to connect with their peers face-to-face and discover the wonders of the world, undeterred by devices.

"One thing that makes Challenge Island a standout is what it lacks. You’ll find no screens or digital devices in a Challenge Island after-school class, camp or family night. Instead, kids working together in STEAM Teams, are encouraged to use imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions to challenges using a treasure-chest full of low-tech supplies."

ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

Award-Winning STEAM Programs



Hi, I'm Jacqueline Wilkey!

Owner of Challenge Island North Tampa
Hi, I’m Jacqueline, a proud Chicago native. I believe that education is one of the most valuable assets one can possess. Growing up, I had a passion for learning and reading; education opened doors to experiences I could have never envisioned. Now, as an educator, I strive to instill that same love for learning in my students.

I specialize in working with children! I have dedicated over 20 years of my life to working with children, a journey that has profoundly shaped who I am today For the past seven years, I have been a teacher in Hillsborough County, where I've had the privilege of nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. My teaching philosophy centers around the concept of whole child education, which emphasizes the importance of addressing not just academic needs but also social, emotional, and developmental growth. I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and engaging environment.

Throughout the years, I've recognized a growing need for social-emotional learning among children—a necessity for students to collaborate and a shift towards hands-on learning experiences. This insight drove me to invest in Challenge Island, aiming to foster 21st-century skills through teamwork.

Challenge islands commitment to instilling 21st-century skills, STEAM academics, and social-emotional learning aligns perfectly with my vision for empowering children. Challenge Island stands out because it seamlessly integrates these essential components while ensuring that learning is fun and engaging. I am thrilled to be a part of a franchise that prioritizes both education and enjoyment, creating a space where children can explore their creativity and collaborate with their peers.

I look forward to the adventures ahead as I embark on this exciting journey with Challenge Island, and I am eager to contribute to the growth and development of the children in our community.

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STEAM + Reading = STREAM!

Combine the Magic of Challenge Island Programs with the Magic of Reading with our Bestselling Book Series!

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Challenge Island Featured in IFA Oscar Ad During the 2023 Academy Awards!

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Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

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Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

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Ride the Wave of Excitement with Challenge Island’s Sports-Themed Field Trips

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