Each summer the Washburn University Education Department offers a week-long STEM camp. The camp is offered free of charge and is designed to provide students from traditionally under-represented populations in middle school (grades 6 – 8) with opportunities to participate in STEM activities and to explore STEM careers. Further, the camp is designed to help participants realize the variety of STEM careers that are attainable and accessible through education. The Washburn University STEM Camp encompasses several aspects of STEM, including computer science, physics, environmental science, robotics, engineering design and mathematics. Ultimately, the goals of the camp are:
- Increase the exposure of STEM for students who might not, otherwise, have the opportunity to participate in programs such as this
- Give middle grades students an opportunity to experience life at Washburn University and open them to considering the possibility of attending Washburn in the future (It should be noted that prior to 2025, campers had the opportunity to stay overnight in the Washburn University Dorms. In 2025, the camp was offered as a day camp.)
- Expose students to STEM career options
- Increase the numbers of students who choose STEM fields for study and as career choices
- Increase the awareness of educational requirements for a variety of STEM careers
- Provide “Hands On” STEM experiences in the classroom as well as during field trips and industry tours
The first camp was offered in 2017 and had 20 participants. Beginning in 2018, the Washburn University STEM summer camp has been offered twice each summer with each camp being one week long. Twenty students are accepted for each week. Washburn Education faculty as well as current and former Washburn education students lead the camp. Of those 60 students who participated in the program in 2017 and 2018 (and are thus of college age), a total of 24 students have chosen to attend Washburn University in some capacity.
This project offers opportunities for students from underrepresented populations to participate in a summer experience that would not, otherwise, be available. Further, it offers them opportunities to explore careers in the STEM fields. A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics projects a 10.8% increase in STEM occupations between 2021 and 2031. This is compared to a 4.9% increase for non-STEM-related occupations. Further, the projected median annual salary for a STEM occupation is more than double that for a non-STEM occupation. In addition, it has been found that the majority of students that choose to study STEM subjects in college make that decision in high school or even earlier. These statistics alone help to explain why it is so important that we introduce our students to STEM careers and encourage an appreciation and love for STEM before students enter the work-world or go on to post-secondary education. In addition, as these students explore STEM careers they are introduced to opportunities to reach these career goals thorough education at Washburn University.
Donations to this project will support the Education Department Stem Fund
Campaign Pillar: Teaching and Program Excellence
