A different kind of youth summer camp is launching at the West Virginia State University (WVSU) Economic Development Center (EDC) in Charleston. Designed to introduce and encourage interaction with emerging technology, problem solving and entrepreneurship, the DigiSo Tech Girls Maker Camp will begin on Monday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Tech Girls Maker Camp is for young women ages 10 to 18 who are interested in learning how to make a variety of things by studying the exciting areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The camp will meet daily June 16-20, and participants will work with mentors to explore a variety of new technologies, gadgets and ideas.
“The WVSU EDC has created a place where artists, inventors, intellectuals, growers and the generally curious can interact with their imaginations, technology and each other,” said Sarah Halstead, WVSU Extension Specialist for Sustainable Economic Development. “People can expect to make things that require a fusion of the STEM areas, but also incorporate research and art.”
The Tech Girls Maker Camp is the first in a new pilot series of summer programs developed as part of the WVSU Innovation Academy, a collection of innovation-economy offerings and services made possible in part with recent funding from the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.
“The whole experience will unlock and expand creativity, ingenuity and problem solving, all with an emphasis on technology and entrepreneurship,” said WVSU Innovation Academy Coordinator Venu Menon. “Camps will offer organizers many important insights into student attitudes toward technology and help participants engage with science, technology, engineering, art, and math in creative new ways.”
The cost to attend the Tech Girls Maker Camp is $50 to cover the cost of materials, and preregistration is required. To register, visit http://www.edcwvstateu.eventbrite.com or call (304) 720-1401.
The WVSU EDC is located at 1506 Kanawha Blvd. W. in Charleston.
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