Wayne State invites future engineers back to campus for 2023 summer camps
The Wayne State University College of Engineering will welcome more than 500 elementary, middle and high school students to its midtown Detroit campus this summer for a robust series of engineering, computer science and aviation programs that aim to inspire the next generation of innovators that will revolutionize industries, stimulate the economy, enhance the country's global competitiveness, and revitalize and sustain the local community.
The Summer Academy introduces K-12 students to STEM concepts through project-based learning. Wayne State is also offering a Summer High School Research Program as well as a new Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy. Most of these programs start in early July.
“We look forward to welcoming students to an in-person program held on the campus of Wayne State University," said Jasmine Roberson, director of community engagement and outreach program specialist for the College of Engineering. "While supervised by program staff, students can experience a taste of collegiate life, attend classes in engineering and computer science labs, and eat in dining halls. We are excited to offer an opportunity to learn about engineering and computer science through project based learning, increasing students' knowledge of STEM fields while providing access to the College of Engineering campus, advising, faculty, student organizations and industry partners."
Two-week day camps for rising first through eighth graders in the Summer Academy serve as opportunities for students to build confidence and work outside of their comfort zones, get ideas for potential careers, and maintain a level of productivity that curbs summer learning loss. Participants will explore areas ranging from robotics, drones, gaming, animation and 3D printing, learning to code and build as a team using such resources as MinecraftEDU, Spheros and Apple Swift Playground. Sessions will be held July 10 to 20 and July 24 to August 3.
For rising ninth through 12th graders — who will undoubtedly benefit from a glimpse of life on a college campus — the Summer Academy offers three unique four-day camps. Courses in drones and cyber security start July 10; a cluster of programs in Minecraft, robotics, and engineering in medicine begin July 17; and courses in construction technology and aviation begin July 31.
The Summer High School Research Program allows students the chance to work on emerging energy technologies or CAD/3D modeling for six weeks. Beginning July 10, participants come to campus four days a week, and each week the curriculum is centered on a unique theme, including material synthesis, battery design and fabrication, testing and data evaluation, and computer-aided design.
For the first time, Wayne State will host the ACE Academy, a national program supported by the Federal Aviation Administration. The ACE Academy gives learners first-level exposure to the aviation industry by providing career exploration as well as lessons on aviation history, theory of flight and other related subjects. Students will meet aviation professionals and attend field trips to a variety of facilities and educational institutions.
Partnerships with such industry leaders as DTE, Ford Motor Company, Google, General Motors and Microsoft bolster the program's offerings. The success of Wayne State’s summer camps is also aided by collaboration with the educational community including K-12 schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, government entities and other campus programs.
College of Engineering students, alumni, faculty and staff, along with industry professionals, lead groups as large as 20 to 25 learners through the various modules and provide valuable mentorship. These leaders are often volunteers motivated by a passion for learning and discovery as well as a desire to energize future Warriors and young people in Detroit and surrounding communities. Attendees also enjoy the opportunities to interact in team-based environments with people from unique backgrounds and cultures.
Registration for the College of Engineering summer programs is ongoing. Pricing varies depending on the camps selected, and students may be registered for multiple sessions. Campers receive a t-shirt, backpack, lanyard, and water bottle, and will have lunch provided daily. A demonstration day that includes presentations and a certificate ceremony is held at the conclusion of each program.