STEM focus transforming the camp experience for high schoolers in Hampton Roads
Posted By HR Partnership on August 6, 2009
by Megan Robinson, SEVA-PORT Manager at Opportunity Inc.
The Southeastern Virginia Partnership for Regional Transformation (SEVA-PORT), in collaboration with Old Dominion University and Virginia Beach Public Schools, offered two STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camps for youth ages 16-18 this summer.
The camps were held in July at the Advanced Technology Center in Virginia Beach. Over forty campers from Southside Hampton Roads participated in field trips to the Norfolk International Terminals where they observed port cranes and machinery and had a front-row seat to the supply chain in motion. The students then used modeling and simulation technology to build 2-D and 3-D models of sea port cranes and other logistical devices used at the Port.
These camps exposed young people to technology careers, as well as maritime and port operations. SEVA-PORT partners have launched over thirteen technology-related camps, student internships, and other industry-driven learning experiences throughout the region to develop and expand the Modeling and Simulation talent pipeline.
SEVA-PORT was awarded a $5 million Department of Labor WIRED grant in July 2007. The SEVA-PORT collaborative includes over 40 partners and is spearheaded by the regional Workforce Investment Boards of Opportunity Inc, the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development, and the Crater Regional Workforce Investment Group.
SEVA-PORT is working to build and strengthen the Modeling and Simulation talent pool and build linkages between the emerging Modeling & Simulation industry and the expanding Port industries of Transportation, Warehousing and Distribution.
For more information, visit the website at www.seva-port.org.
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Enjoying reading your blog. Hard work always pays off.
Dear Hampton Roads Partnership,
The SEVA-PORT CRANE camp was a wonderful experience for all involved. The students were very open to applied STEM concepts. They expressed having a deeper understanding of the terminology and the tools used in the STEM fields through hands-on experience as opposed to traditional lecture-based, highly conceptual presentations in a classroom environment. Further, the students showed an increased likelihood to visualize practical application of concepts presented in STEM subjects during the next school year.
Although this camp was merely an introduction to university level engineering courses, positive exposure to STEM subjects in a friendly format removed some of the students’ mental barriers, which may have prevented many from attempting careers in STEM.
Dr. Bondi (shown in group photo) would like to thank the SEVA-PORT sponsors for the opportunity to make such an important and lasting impact on the lives of these young adults. These young adults are very gifted and enthusiastic about learning. It is upon the shoulders of their mentors to help them reach the highest heights!
Thank you for publishing this article.
Sincerely,
Stella B. Bondi, PhD.
Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering Technology
Old Dominion University
212-C Kaufman Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529
Office:(757) 683- 3782
Fax: (757) 683-5655
E-mail: sbondi@odu.edu