STEMKAMP (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS FOR KIDS OF ACTIVE MILITARY PERSONNEL).
Abstract
STEMKAMP is a summer, co-curricular camp that provides hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for Kids (i.e., dependents) of Active Military Personnel (STEMKAMP). This program is a multi-state rollout of a successful STEM camp framework to 10 military connected school districts through 2023 that will reach up to 3,750 3rd – 8th grade students. STEMKAMP supports the mission of the DoDSTEM strategic plan goal to INSPIRE youth and engage the community in STEM education and outreach in the K-12 domain. This is completed by supporting and enhancing student and educator participation in DoD-sponsored STEM events. The summer camps will be open to all children in the military connected school districts but will target and give preference to kids of active military personnel (KAMPers). Problem: Military connected communities do not have ready access to STEM Summer camps. These types of programs have shown positively results for linking students to STEM careers and keeping future STEM professionals in the educational pipeline. An analysis completed with six military connected, collaborating districts demonstrated that only 3 of the districts had an available camp within a 20-mile radius and the median cost for a one-week program was in excess of $500, which is beyond the reach for most military families. Only one of these programs served 3rd – 5th graders. These problems are exacerbated when one considers dependents of active military personnel have high mobility rates and emotional stressors related to their parent(s) unpredictable and possibly life-threatening occupations. All the military connected school districts agreed that a local STEM camp would be well attended and would be well supported by the local teachers. Program Objectives: Goal 1: Connect a network of STEM related informal education organizations with military connected school districts. Goal 2: Expand the successful STEMgirls camp to a nationwide STEMKAMP. Technical Approach: Goshen Education Consulting and iBIO Institute will partner with 10 military connected school districts across the United States with an existing successful hands-on summer science camp for 3rd – 8th grade students. The five-day summer camp will help students connect critical thinking and problem-solving skills to a wide variety of STEM careers through hands-on experience with STEM concepts and access to STEM professionals. As a result, students will gain a better understanding for current STEM careers, develop basic engineering skills, practice higher-order thinking skills, and gain the self-confidence and motivation to continue a path toward a STEM career. The cognizant state organizations associated with the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes will be engaged to provide regional support to the military connected school districts to work toward local sustainability by the end of the program period. Anticipated Outcomes: The three SMART summative outcomes are: (1) 7 of the programs will be 80% sustainable after program completion in Summer 2023, (2) 40% or more of KAMPers will want to have a STEM Career as an adult each year of the camp, and (3) 60% or more of KAMPers will identify a scientist at the “Inquiry” level each year of the camp using the Draw a Scientist Survey.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00342010041
Entities
People
- Matthew Feldman
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Washington Headquarters Services