Underrepresented high school students are getting an opportunity this summer to learn valuable skills at FSU iCamp, a six-week program that provides hands-on learning in STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and math.
FSU iCamp is a partnership between Florida State University’s College of Communication and Information, the U.S Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and the Technology Student Association designed to encourage historically underrepresented and underserved students to pursue college majors and careers in engineering and other STEM-related fields.
The Army Educational Outreach Program is a pre-collegiate summer experience hosted by higher education institutions nationwide. AEOP awarded CCI more than $30,000 to cover the expenses of eligible 9th through 12th graders to participate in the program. The 25 AEOP scholars were nominated by high school STEM teachers throughout Leon and Gadsden counties.
The scholars are learning skills in web design, digital media production, game design, coding, animation/videography and security/networking.
Faye Jones, faculty researcher in the College of Communication and Information, said one of the main goals of FSU iCamp is to help underrepresented minorities and women thrive academically and professionally.
“FSU iCamp provides us with an invaluable opportunity to work with local students who are passionate about technology and who seek to explore computing and technology careers,” she said.
Ebe Randeree, associate dean of the College of Communication and Information, has served on the board of the Florida Technology Student Association for eight years. That experience has allowed him to help guide middle and high school students across the state.
“CCI has been working with K-12 students in Leon County for many years providing tours, workshops, coding, gaming design classes and more,” Randeree said. “This partnership with AEOP and the Technology Student Association helps us continue to provide more opportunities for local students.”
FSU iCamp teaches tech-related skills and shows students what it’s like to conduct lab work at a major research university.
They visit STEM programs in FSU’s Department of Physics, Innovation Hub, Seminole Productions and the FSU-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Students also receive advice from members of FSU’s Army ROTC, Student Veterans Center, Career Center and Student Support Services-STEM. Every day, campers talk with Florida State students majoring in STEM fields and participate in fun, hands-on activities taught by a dedicated instructional team.
“FSU iCamp engages students in STEM fields at an early age,” said Larry Dennis, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “The exposure to a variety of topics throughout the camp provides students the opportunity to learn about potential career paths after graduating high school.”
FSU iCamp runs through Aug. 3. Non-scholarship spots also are available for interested high school students. For more information on FSU iCamp, visit https://cci.fsu.edu/camps/.