Soar Lab Set to Transform Early Learning in Manatee — Opening July at Harllee Campus
Manatee County’s “Soar in 4” program will soon take a giant leap forward with the launch of its first Soar Lab this July. Located on the Sara Scott Harllee campus at 6423 9th St E in Bradenton, the Soar Lab will provide a permanent, interactive learning space for children from birth to age 7 and their families, right within their neighborhood.
The Soar Lab features multiple learning zones, including art, tinkering, engineering, a storybook trail, an outdoor classroom, a sound and sensory garden, as well as a dedicated library and a parent resource room. A calming “Zen Den” will provide a sensory‑inclusive environment for children who need it. This new space is designed to complement the monthly Soar in 4 events, already held at locations such as the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, with hands-on, exploratory learning experiences.
Research supports the impact of interactive early education: children who visit museums before kindergarten show higher achievement in reading, math, and science. The Soar Lab will expand these benefits by offering structured play and learning aligned with Florida’s Early Learning and Developmental Standards, while also building parents’ capacity to support their children’s school readiness.
The initiative is funded through philanthropic partnerships, including a significant grant awarded to support Soar Lab exhibits—five interactive areas featuring storybooks, blocks, tinkering, art, and outdoor play—backed by a contribution from the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation.
School District officials report that construction of the Soar Lab has begun, with a planned soft opening in July 2025. The facility aims to serve over 2,000 children through neighborhood‑based educational programming.
For families interested in Soar Lab events or parent workshops, and the most up‑to‑date updates, visit the official Soar in 4 website.
Background
Soar in 4 launched in 2017 after founders Steve and Carolyn Roskamp discovered that roughly 50 percent of Manatee County students were reading below grade level, significantly higher than neighboring Sarasota County. Focused on four-year-olds, the initiative has since expanded through monthly literacy-driven events and community engagement.
