Carla Clark | For The Republic. Ebun Okuleye-Ash listens to a student’s response in a group discussion about community issues and their root causes prior to a presentation by the Lemonade Bros. and other activities at the Columbus Learning Center, Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Carla Clark | For The Republic. Ebun Okuleye-Ash listens to a student’s response in a group discussion about community issues and their root causes prior to a presentation by the Lemonade Bros. and other activities at the Columbus Learning Center, Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
An iEngage camp on Indiana University-Columbus’ campus this week is helping students learn about civics, community service and entrepreneurship.

One hundred students in grades 5 through 9 from the local area are attending the camp free.

The camp is aimed at teaching students about applicable civics. iEngage began 12 years ago at Baylor University through a series of civics computer games called iCivics that taught students about the government and how it worked. Professors and researchers at Baylor decided it was not enough for a child to learn about civics, they had to be a contributing part of the community.

iEngage was formed as a way to fill that gap, said executive director of iEngage and professor of social studies education at IU Columbus, Stephanie Serriere.

“They feel like they have the tools to not only know about their community but also to change it,” Serriere said. “The whole goal of the camp is to get youth to enact citizenship in different ways.”

At iEngage, students learn from community members about the challenges that Columbus is facing. They work through the week with professionals to learn about the topic and construct their own solutions to issues like internet safety, polution and more.

Freddie King serves as the youth empowerment program coordinator at the Council for Youth Development. After having issues in his own childhood, he sees programs like iEngage as a way to pay it forward to the next generation.

“Our youth are our future,” King said. “We have to make sure we’re supporting them to be the best they can be. They’re going to be our leaders one day and we want to give them the opportunity to build those skills so they can face what’s to come.”

At the end of the week, students will present their projects to a shark-tank-style panel of community members and parents, asking them to take action on their chosen issue. Community leaders then offer growth feedback to students to further idea development and implementation.

Throughout the week, a different community representative speaks to the students each day to help them understand the importance of issues in the community. These speakers are chosen with help from a community advisory board. Some of these local companies represented are the Columbus Police Department, United Way, Mental Health Matters and Substance Abuse Council.

On Tuesday, the Lemonade Bros gave advice to students about entrepreneurship and giving back to the community.

Co-founder of Lemonade Bros Corneshia Freeman spoke to students about the passion behind the business and the importance of supporting the community that supports the business in return. Lemonade Bros specializes in making lemonade from fresh, real products instead of concentrates and dyes. It’s another way to show their love for the community, Freeman said.

“Initially we started this business with a bright idea: ‘What can they make that people will enjoy and help us make money to give back to the community?” Freeman said. “Because that’s really what it’s all about, giving back to the community.”

With the money raised, the company has recently paid for two families to have “stay-cations,” which include a stay at the Hotel Indigo for the family, along with a movie and meals provided.

Freeman led students in a chant: “I will, I believe, I can conquer.”

“So just remember, just because you’re young, it doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 15, 30, 100, it doesn’t matter how old you are,” Freeman said. “Do not ever let anyone tell you that you cannot do what you believe you can do.”

Researchers from IU Columbus also attend learning sessions with the students and conduct research on the program. They are tested on their responses to questions about community and civic engagement, and whether or not they think they have the adequate tools to make a difference.

“In one week’s time, a survey question usually does not have that much movement, but these campers have a statistically significant gain in the statement: ‘I believe I can make a difference in my community,’” Serriere said. “It helps kids realize: when I speak, people listen.”
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