Some local youth recently were able to experience a unique, first-time camp that exposed them to engineering concepts and hands-on activities, working directly with mentors from the community.
A special kickoff event for the first “Engineers of the Future” mini-camp was held on June 21 at the Boys & Girls Club’s Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch, featuring special guest speakers, games, prizes and lunch. All youth attending the branch that day also received a free T-shirt (submitted photo).
The Engineers of the Future STEM-based summer program took place June 25-27 At the Boys & Girls Club’s Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch, 2242 W. Missouri Ave. It was hosted by Valley Metro, along with its partner firm PGH Wong Engineering, Inc. The program was offered to area seventh and eighth graders as part of the Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II Workforce Development Program.
A total of 38 students and five engineering mentors participated, along with one Arizona State University engineering student who volunteered as a mentor. All the campers received complimentary T-shirts to wear during the three-day event.
Engineers of the Future was so successful, in fact, that a second camp was held July 23-25 at the same location.
The children worked side-by-side with their mentors on transportation projects during the three-day mini-camps, including designing public “transportation centers.” The engineers volunteered their time and guidance to give students a hands-on approach to competition and learning.
Through the free camps, students were exposed to careers in the engineering field that might not have otherwise been available to them.
