Sarasota, FL (July 9, 2026)— Members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ Louis and Gloria Flanzer Club in Arcadia recently traveled to Houston, Texas, for a unique experience at the VIRTEX Symposium, a national program that connects Boys & Girls Club members with scientists and researchers to inspire curiosity and explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

Leading up to the symposium, the members participated in the VIRTEX program, engaging in virtual mentor sessions with scientists and completing hands-on STEM activities. After completing the program, the participants created a video inspired by their VIRTEX experience and entered it into a national competition. Their winning submission earned them the opportunity to travel to Houston, where they presented their project, met with scientists, and visited world-class research facilities. 

For their VIRTEX project, members used lessons throughout the program to explore galaxies, planets, and the solar system. Members brought these concepts to life by taking part in a hands-on activity where they designed and created their own unique planets while imagining what conditions, landscapes, and forms of life might exist there. 

“Club members were incredibly excited for this opportunity,” said Sofia Gilot, Club Director of the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club. “Although they were a little nervous about speaking in front of a large audience, they stepped outside of their comfort zones, confidently shared their experiences, and represented our Club with pride.” 

This experience also highlights the power of exposing young people to opportunities beyond the walls of their Club. Members expanded their horizons as they connected with experts; one member even boarded an airplane for the very first time. 

“One of the most fascinating discoveries for the members was learning that astronauts train underwater at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory to mimic the feeling of weightlessness in space,” said Gilot. 

In addition to presenting their project, Club members had their questions about the galaxies answered directly by experts, toured the NASA Space Center and connected with other Boys & Girls Club members from around the country. To learn more about the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, visit bgcsdc.org. 

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has been a leading youth-serving organization since 1970 and provides enriching after-school and summer programs to thousands of youth, ages 6 to 18, in Sarasota, Media Contact: Yolanda Mancha Vice President for Advancement [email protected] 941-366-3911 Media Contact: Solymar Estrella Communications Specialist [email protected] 941-366-3911 Venice, North Port, and Arcadia. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need services the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The programs are designed to empower youth to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits, and create plans for success after high school graduation. For more information, visit bgcsdc.org or call 941-366-3911.