EKU 2024 STEM Summer Camp participants
The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) hosted its annual STEM summer camp for rising high school juniors and seniors June 2-7, 2024. There were 37 participants of whom 36 came from 27 high schools in 21 counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and 1 one came from the state of Ohio.
Campers experienced hands-on STEM activities that encompassed the areas of applied engineering, biology, computer science, forensic science, environmental science, 3D printing, mathematics, and physics that were led by EKU professors.
“The variety of disciplines and the direct involvement of college professors are in line with one of the goals of the camp which is to inspire high school students and to get excited about STEM disciplines through academically focused activities,” explained Ms. Aida Bermudez, the CSTEM enrollment counselor and camp director.
This camp was intentionally designed as a residential camp to introduce the participating high school students to a university campus living experience, including the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people. Ms. Bermudez elaborated by saying, “They received a glimpse of college life as they stayed in the Telford Residential Hall, had meals at Case Dining Hall, and learned about the different services and degree programs that EKU has to offer. In the evenings, they attended different fun activities such as the team building Low Ropes Course and had time to enjoy EKU’s Student Recreation Center and pool.”
The camp concluded with a session in which the students shared their experiences of the week with their peers and parents.
“The campers left EKU with a good idea of different STEM career options, good college advice, and how EKU can best serve them when it is their time to be a college student,” said Ms. Bermudez.
The camp attendees were diverse, with 64.9% female, 32.4% male, and 2.7% non-binary participants. In terms of race/ethnicity, 56.8% were White, 10.8% Asian, 21.6% Black/African American, 8.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.7% American Indian or Alaska Native. Regarding grade levels, 59.5% were rising juniors, and 40.5% were rising seniors.
This year’s STEM camp was sponsored by Battelle and the EKU College of STEM.