The Quantum Realm: Time, Teleportation & Entanglement

July 26 – August 1, 2026 | Griffiss Business & Technology Park & STEAM Venues Across Central New York

Step into the frontier of discovery at the 8th Annual Project Fibonacci STEAM Leadership Conference—an immersive, week-long experience for students ages 15–19.

This year’s theme, “The Quantum Realm: Time, Teleportation & Entanglement,” explores the science shaping our future. From quantum computing and cybersecurity to the mysteries of entanglement and time, students will dive into ideas that are redefining how we understand the world around us.

But this experience is about more than just learning concepts—it’s about growth.

Most students don’t have everything figured out—and that’s okay. This conference is for those who are willing to try, to learn, and to step outside their comfort zone. Whether you already love STEAM or you’re just starting to explore it, you belong here.

You’ll be actively involved every day—building, collaborating, and working through real challenges alongside a team.

Throughout the week, you will:

Participate in hands-on workshops and innovation labs

Learn directly from professionals and mentors

Explore emerging technologies shaping the future

Collaborate on team-based challenges and projects

Build confidence in communication, leadership, and problem-solving

By the end of the week, you won’t just understand more—you’ll start to see where you fit into the future of these fields.

For over 10 years, Project Fibonacci has focused on one core mission: helping students build the confidence, critical thinking skills, and courage to navigate an unpredictable future. More than 600 students have participated in this experience—and every one o them leaves changed. Not perfectly. But meaningfully.

They leave with:

– Greater confidence in themselves

-Stronger communication and critical thinking skills

-Real connections with peers from different backgrounds

-A clearer sense of what’s possible for their future

A Fully Immersive Experience

Everything is taken care of so you can focus on learning and growing.

Students stay on-site and experience a full, engaging schedule from morning to night, including:

-Workshops and team sessions

-Off-site tours and social activities

-Daily collaboration and mentorship

-A supportive, structured environment with trained staff

This is more than a program—it’s a community.

Admissions & Registration

New Scholars
Complete a Self-Nomination Form, submit a Mentor Reference, and participate in a virtual Admissions Interview (just a conversation—we want to get to know you).

Returning Scholars
Eligible to register now through Early Bird Registration.

A $150 deposit secures your spot. Scholarships, payment plans, and school support options are available to help make this experience accessible.

Only 60 spots are available for 2026—and they fill quickly!

 

Scholarships & Accessibility

Trying something new can feel uncomfortable—especially when cost is a factor.
But that’s exactly where growth begins.

If you’re even a little curious, don’t count yourself out.

The Project Fibonacci® Foundation works closely with schools, sponsors, and community partners to provide full and partial scholarships so that as many students as possible can participate. While scholarships are not guaranteed, many students who apply receive meaningful financial support.

If cost is a concern, we strongly encourage you to apply.
You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to take the first step.

How It Works

-Students seeking financial assistance simply submit a Scholarship Entry for review by our Admissions Board

-If you are already sponsored by a school, organization, or company, no additional submission is required

-Scholarship decisions are made following the admissions process

To reserve your spot, a $150 deposit is required (payable in up to three installments over 60 days). The first $50 is nonrefundable and covers administrative costs.


Take the Next Step

Don’t decide for yourself that this isn’t possible.

Apply first—then explore your options.

👉 Submit your Scholarship Entry:
https://form.jotform.com/ProjectFibonacci/2026-scholarship-submission

📘 Learn more in the 2026 Conference Guidebook:
http://projectfibonacci.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026-conference-guidebook-2.pdf

SPECIAL UPDATES

 

ANNOUNCING KEYNOTE SPEAKER DR. ERIN MACDONALD

 

 

Erin Macdonald (PhD, Astrophysics) is an award-winning writer, science communicator, producer, and science advisor. She is most well-known for her work on the Star Trek franchise where she has been their official science advisor since 2019 and was a member of the Peabody Institutional Award for Star Trek in 2023. Continuing to work the Star Trek realm, she has played her own character across multiple iterations, including Star Trek: Prodigy and Star Trek Online and contributes as a writer to the Star Trek Adventures tabletop roleplaying game.

Originally from Colorado, Erin studied physics and mathematics at the University of Colorado at Boulder where her research into cold hydrogen in the local universe was recognized by the American Astronomical Society. She then moved to Scotland for her PhD at University of Glasgow where she did research in gravitational waves from neutron stars with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. After leaving academia, Erin jumped careers from public science outreach, to education, to aerospace engineering, and finally to the entertainment industry. Instead of wanting to become Dana Scully, Erin realized she wanted to create those characters that will inspire future generations of scientists.

Erin runs the company Spacetime Productions which champions LGBTQIA+ stories in the sci-fi genre and has successfully produced three short films and featurettes since 2021. She continues to work with the Star Trek franchise, most recently on Starfleet Academy, and is putting her energy towards her screenwriting career. Her latest feature script, TO SKYE, has been recognized at film festivals around the world. She now splits her time between Los Angeles, Glasgow, and a nice quiet garden in Michigan. When not writing or gardening, she can be found playing video games, brewing mead, or crafting her latest art project.