The Foundation Behind STEAMBarn Academies
Mission-driven governance and transparency.
Board Members
Tonia Sprinkle
Dr. Jeff Baker
Dr. Linnie Smith Carter
Governance Policies
STEAMBarn Academies LLC is committed to operating with integrity, transparency, accountability, and a steadfast focus on educational excellence.
As the operating entity responsible for developing and managing STEAMBarn Academies, the LLC oversees strategic implementation, business operations, financial stewardship, and program execution in alignment with our mission and values.
Managing Members
STEAMBarn Academies LLC is governed by its Managing Members, who provide leadership and oversight in the following areas:
- Strategic planning and growth
- Financial management and sustainability
- Facilities development and operations
- Educational programming and innovation
- Human resources and talent development
- Risk management and compliance
- Community partnerships and stakeholder engagement
Our Managing Members bring expertise from education, business, finance, law, nonprofit leadership, agriculture, and community development to ensure thoughtful decision-making and long-term organizational success.
Governance Principles
STEAMBarn Academies LLC operates according to the following principles:
- Mission-Driven Leadership: Every decision supports our commitment to preparing students for success through innovative STEAM, agricultural, and entrepreneurial learning experiences.
- Transparency and Accountability: We maintain responsible financial practices, clear decision-making processes, and open communication with stakeholders.
- Ethical Conduct: Managing Members, employees, and partners adhere to high standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior.
- Equity and Inclusion: We value diverse perspectives and strive to create inclusive opportunities for students, families, employees, and community partners.
- Compliance and Risk Management: We follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.
Governance Policies
STEAMBarn Academies LLC include policies and procedures designed to support effective governance and responsible operations, including:
- Conflict of Interest Policy
- Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Confidentiality Policy
- Financial Controls Policy
- Document Retention Policy
- Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Policy
- Non-Discrimination Policy
- Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting Policy
These policies are reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect best practices and regulatory requirements.
Meeting and Oversight
Managing Members meet regularly to review organizational performance, evaluate strategic priorities, monitor financial health, and ensure alignment with the mission and vision of STEAMBarn Academies.
Through strong governance and collaborative leadership, STEAMBarn Academies LLC is building a sustainable foundation for educational innovation and community impact.
For governance-related inquiries, please contact:
STEAMBarn Academies LLC
Email: adminsupport@steambarnacademies.org
Website: www.steambarnacademies.org
Transparency Documents
STEAMBarn Academies is committed to operating with integrity, accountability, and transparency.
We strive to maintain open communication with our stakeholders, including families, donors, community partners, and prospective supporters.
Governance, financial, and organizational documents may be made available upon request, subject to applicable laws, privacy considerations, and organizational policies.
Available documents may include:
- Organizational formation documents
- Governance policies and procedures
- Board of Directors and Managing Members information
- Strategic plans and impact reports
- Financial statements and annual reports
- Tax-exempt determination documentation
- Accreditation and licensing updates
To request additional information, please contact:
adminsupport@steambarnacademies.org
Thank you for your interest in supporting our mission to create innovative educational opportunities through STEAM, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Disclaimer
“Certain documents containing confidential, proprietary, personnel, student, donor, or legally protected information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies.”
Organizational Structure
STEAMBarn Academies operates through two distinct but complementary entities designed to advance our educational mission and ensure strong governance, operational excellence, and community impact.
STEAMBarn Academies Foundation Corp
STEAMBarn Academies Foundation Corp is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting educational access, scholarships, community partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives.
The Foundation received its tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service effective March 4, 2026, and is classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
STEAMBarn Academies LLC
STEAMBarn Academies LLC serves as the operating entity responsible for school planning, educational programming, facilities development, business operations, and strategic implementation.
The LLC works collaboratively with the Foundation to advance the mission of providing innovative, high-quality educational opportunities that integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
Together, these entities ensure that STEAMBarn Academies maintains strong operational leadership, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
Transparency & Accountability
Governance, financial, and organizational documents may be made available upon request, subject to applicable laws, privacy considerations, and organizational policies.
To request additional information, please contact:
adminsupport@steambarnacademies.org
Annual Reports
STEAMBarn Academies is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship.
As a newly established organization, we are currently in the planning and development phase. Formal annual reports, audited financial statements, and IRS Form 990 filings will be published as they become available.
In the meantime, we invite you to follow our progress with periodic updates that highlight key milestones and organizational achievements.
Founding Year Highlights | 2026
- Received federal tax-exempt status through STEAMBarn Academies Foundation Corp
- Established governance structures, including the Board of Directors and Managing Members
- Advanced campus planning efforts in Orangeburg County, South Carolina
- Expanded partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and industry leaders
- Continued development of our STEAM, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy curriculum model
- Advanced fundraising and capital campaign initiatives
Looking Ahead
Our inaugural annual report will be published following the completion of our first full year of operations.
Future reports may include:
- Organizational milestones and impact
- Strategic priorities and accomplishments
- Financial summaries
- Fundraising results
- Program updates
- Community partnerships
- Governance and leadership updates
Governance, financial, and organizational documents may be made available upon request, subject to applicable laws, privacy considerations, and organizational policies.
For questions or to request additional information, please contact:
adminsupport@steambarnacademies.org
Together, we are planting ideas and growing minds.
Naming Opportunities
Invest in STEAMBarn Academies by sponsoring a lab, studio, building wing, or innovation center. Naming opportunities allow donors to leave a lasting legacy while supporting transformative STEAM and agricultural education for rural students.
Founding Donor Wall
The Founding Donor Wall honors contributors and recognizes their commitment to advancing education, workforce readiness, and community impact in Orangeburg County.