Budding scientists and engineers interested in sharpening their skills alongside professionals and a former astronaut are encouraged to apply for the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp program.
One thousand middle-school students will be selected to attend one of 20 camps held at universities across the country, where they will be immersed in hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning.
Throughout the camp, students live on campus and participate in interactive, inquiry-based classes taught by university faculty, secondary teachers and other professionals. Campers also have the opportunity to explore local museums, nature centers and ecosystems -- discovering science at work in their communities.
Students also hear from local professionals about rewarding career options in STEM fields, which will continue to see growth in the need for skilled workers. Science and engineering jobs are projected to expand at more than double the rate of the entire U.S. labor force through 2018, according to a recent STEMconnector report .
Since 2006, more than 8,700 underserved students have participated in this unique program. According to a 2013 Harris Foundation study of camp alumni currently enrolled in college, 96 percent credit the program with influencing their decision to pursue higher education, and 86 percent plan to pursue a STEM-related career.