Washington University in St. Louis is finishing up its fourth ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, which ran June 20-July 2 for more than 45 St. Louis-area disadvantaged middle schoolers interested in math and science.
The camp is a free, two-week academic residential camp designed to boost middle school students’ skills in math and science and their interest in related careers as well as introduce them to college life.
This is the fifth year that former NASA astronaut Bernard Harris, the first African-American to walk in space, and ExxonMobil have partnered to provide these camps on university campuses.
Washington University’s Science Outreach program, which provides math and science resources to K-12 students and educators, received a $80,000 grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation and The Harris Foundation to support the camp, held on the Danforth Campus.
The camps are offered to middle school students from traditionally underrepresented populations who are academically qualified, recommended by their teachers and genuinely interested in math and science.
This year’s program is expanded to include 30 campuses throughout the country and will reach 1,500 students.
The camp gives students a first-hand experience with experiments, role models and innovative programs to encourage their continued participation in math and science courses in school.
Campers, who stay in residence halls on WUSTL’s South 40, participate in activities that involve problem solving, research, writing and communication, incorporated with biology, chemistry, physics and field excursions. Experienced teachers, including WUSTL faculty and graduate students, lead units on various science topics, including robotics, computers, engineering challenges, astronomy and math.
The camp gives students a first-hand experience with experiments, role models and innovative programs to encourage their continued participation in math and science courses.
“Washington University is proud to host its fourth camp for St. Louis area students,” said Mary C. Mohr, camp director. “We provide two weeks full of science investigations, outdoor activities, field trips and cultural events. We want to do our share to encourage the next generation of creative thinkers and inventors.”
St. Louis-area students in grades 5-7 from underrepresented communities are eligible for the program and are encouraged to apply. Visit so.wustl.edu for applications and more information about next year’s camp
Founded in 1998, The Harris Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, whose overall mission is to invest in community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. The foundation supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. The Education Mission of the Harris Foundation is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational, and educational programs. The Harris Foundation believes that students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a structured education program and the use of positive role models. To date, more than 10,000 K-12 students have participated and benefited from THF programs. www.theharrisfoundation.org.
The Washington University Science Outreach program enhances learning for K-12 students and educators through graduate courses, school partnerships and enrichment programs like the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp.
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