AWARD YEAR: 2018

Erin Denniston
District STEM Facilitator
Orange County Schools
200 E King St.
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone:  919/245-4004

Project Title:  Engineering Solutions

In the summer of 2019, Orange County Schools launches Engineering Solutions, a free hands-on, project-based STEM summer camp and academic year program designed to engage middle school students in the disciplines and career opportunities of science, engineering and related fields. Engineering Solutions targets students from populations chronically underrepresented in STEM fields--specifically females and minorities. As a tuition-free program that offers transportation, food and after camp care, Engineering Solutions provides an accessible and affordable opportunity for low income students to experience STEM-related activities. Follow up sessions on several Saturdays during the academic school year will be held as well. The main goal of Engineering Solutions is to offer students opportunities to strengthen their language, math and science skills in a hands-on, problem-based learning environment that is engaging and relevant to their everyday lives and interests. By providing students with accessible opportunities, Orange County Schools aims to equip underrepresented students with skills that allow them to take the rigorous science and math courses in high school in preparation for college and STEM career tracks. Engineering Solutions summer camp and school year activities provides around 70 contact hours in STEM per student, per year, an amount of hours designed to make a difference in student lives.

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