This summer, Schools That Can connected STC schools in 8 cities with i2 Camp, a leader in education innovation. Through STC scholarships, 160 STC students engaged in intimate, hands-on activities through courses not seen at most middle schools, created with some of the world’s leading STEM organizations.
The 44 courses offered included Digital Game Design, Nanotechnology, Rocketry, Surgical Techniques, and Engineering Ice Cream.
In week 1 of i2 Camp, beneficiary James Cromartie, a student at Church Farm School in STC Philly, explored how to prepare for outbreaks of highly contagious diseases by engineering and testing a system able to respond to an outbreak and prevent a pandemic. The curriculum was developed by the Museum of Science Boston.
“When I visited on July 2, James was one of a dozen students excitedly testing out the working speaker system and motor he had built just that morning using magnets, wire coils and amplifiers. By mounting a kinetic sculpture that he created atop the speaker, James proudly watched it dance to music (DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down for What”).” — Stefanie Claypoole, Marketing and Communications Manager, Church Farm School
This summer, we also worked with i2 Camp to create the first ever 100% STC scholarship camp at Boston Collegiate Charter School (BCCS). Each camper was a BCCS student, and BCCS teachers were trained to lead i2 Camp themselves.
“i2 Camp is changing teachers’ approach to teaching.” – Shannah Varón, Executive Director, Boston Collegiate Charter School
See what happens when leaders work together? Next up with i2 Camp, we’re creating a free training institute (anticipated launch Spring 2015) to share i2 Camp’s vast knowledge and practices with more STC educators. By connecting urban school leaders and teachers with ed innovators, we can advance students’ STEM skills throughout the year (and for years to come).