Innovation Camps, hosted by the STEM Council at Skillpoint Alliance, spark interest in STEM careers through hands-on, project-based learning in robotics, solar design, making, 3D worlds and game design. Campers work in teams to search for solutions, tackle challenging STEM content, design their own creations, and showcase their finished product.
Students and teachers participate in:
- team building activities;
- instruction and experimentation;
- project design;
- guest speakers; and
- field trips
Innovation Camps encourage parent and student interest in innovative, career-based STEM programs being offered in their communities; prepare teachers to implement rigorous, project-based learning techniques in a low-stakes environment; and provide summer mentoring and job opportunities for low-income high school students.
By hosting low-cost summer camps at high-tech companies, Skillpoint Alliance, or students’ neighborhood high schools, Innovation Camps remove barriers to participation in STEM activities for economically disadvantaged and at-risk students while actively addressing summer learning loss. By incorporating innovative, real-world design challenges and using industry-standard software tools, Innovation Camps pave the way for collaboration with local STEM industry partners and focus student career trajectories on the high tech jobs available in the region.
More information available online.