New science camp coming to campus

$80,000 ExxonMobil grant funding experience

 

Trine University is one of 30 universities to receive an $80,000 grant to host an ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp this year. Trine was among 11 new universities added to the program in a competition to expand the ExxonMobil and Harris Foundation program.

 

The two-week residential camp will be July 12-24 for students entering grades 6-8. The camps are designed for traditionally underserved and under-represented middle school students across the country, and promote exciting careers in science by providing a fun-filled setting in which they can gain a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Forty-eight students, equally represented by young men and women, will be chosen for the program, with no cost to their families.

 

Dr. Harris, a former NASA astronaut and the first African American to walk in space, created the camps four years ago with support from ExxonMobil. Students will explore themes such as “Mission to Mars,” “Revolutionary Robotics,” and “Energy and Motion.”

 

During their Trine stay, middle-school students will focus on the math and science components of robotics, and receive instruction in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, communication, and nutrition. A visit from Dr. Harris is planned.

 

Students will be taught by Trine faculty and secondary classroom teachers, who will receive professional development training through the experience. Activities will include classroom study, experiments, individual, team and group projects, weekly field excursions and guest speakers who motivate students to fulfill their dreams.

 

To apply to attend the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps, students must be academically qualified, genuinely interested in mathematics and science and be recommended by two teachers. More information about student eligibility and selection criteria can be found at the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Web site at www.theharrisfoundation.org. E-mail embhssc@trine.edu for application information. 

“In these economic times, it is so refreshing to see the positive work of the ExxonMobil Foundation and the Harris Foundation,” said Kelly Stout, Trine’s executive camp director. “We are honored to be a part of this great work for kids.”