SME foundation expands technology camp program

Dynamic opportunities for middle school students to learn more about career opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, science and technology at STEPS (Science, Technology & Engineering Preview Summer) camps are being expanded and accelerated by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation (SME-EF). Corporate funding has been provided by the Caterpillar Foundation, DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Ford Motor Company. In 2006, STEPS camps will be held at 12 schools in seven states.

STEPS was created in 1997 at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, a Malcolm Baldrige award-winning university, as part of a major effort to attract more women and minorities into the field of engineering early in their academic life.

Workshops taught by engineering and technology professors introduce campers to aeronautics, electronics, pneumatics and team building with curriculum including flying their own remote-controlled airplanes, building an autonomous robotic vehicle, or launching a rocket. Team-building activities include plant tours and pizza parties.

For information and applications on the 2006 STEPS camps, contact the individual schools or visit http://www.sme.org/foundation.

  Illinois:
             Bradley University
             Peoria, Ill.
             Sponsor: Caterpillar Foundation
             June 18-23 - a co-ed, day camp for 9th-12th grade students.
             Contact: Richard L. Green at rlg@bradley.edu
             http://www.bradley.edu/

  Michigan:
             Central Michigan University (New)
             Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
             July 17-21 - a day camp for 8th and 9th grade girls
             Contact: David Kelly at kelle1ds@cmich.edu
             http://www.cmich.edu/

             Gogebic Community College (New)
             Ironwood, Mich.
             July 24-29 (Possible 2nd week), a day camp for 6th-8th grade
              girls
             Contact: Lorrie S. Stahl at Lorrie.Stahl@gogebic.edu
             http://www.gogebic.edu/

             Grand Valley State University
             Allendale, Mich.
             June 19-22, June 26-29, a day camp for 7th grade girls - ages
              11-13.
             Contact: Margo Dill at dillm@gvsu.edu
             http://www.gvsu.edu/

             Oakland Community College (New)
             Auburn Hills, Mich.
             Sponsor: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
             July 30-Aug. 5 - a residential camp for 10th-12th grade girls
             (Minimum age 16).
             Contact: Marikay L. Clancy at mlclanc2@oaklandcc.edu
             http://www.oaklandcc.edu/

             University of Detroit Mercy
             Detroit, Mich.
             Sponsor: Ford Motor Company
             June 18-23 & June 25-30, a residential camp for 9th and 10th
              grade girls
             Contact: Dan Maggio at maggiodd@udmercy.edu
             http://www.udmercy.edu/

  Minnesota:
             University of St. Thomas
             St. Paul, Minn.
             Middle School: June 25-29, July 9-13, July 16-20 and July 23-27
              - a residential camp for 6th grade girls.
             High School: June 18-22, a residential camp for 10th grade
              girls.
             Contact: Jacki Kubal at jkkubal@stthomas.edu
             http://www.stthomas.edu/

  South Dakota:
             South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (New)
             Rapid City, S.D.
             July 9-14, residential camp for 6th and 9th grade girls.
             Contact: Nancy Anderson-Smith at nancy.anderson-smith@sdsmt.edu
             http://www.sdsmt.edu/

  Wisconsin:
             University of Wisconsin-Stout
             Menomonie, Wis.
             Middle School: July 9-13, July 16-23, July 23-27, July 30-
              Aug. 3 - a residential camp for 10th grade girls.
             High School: June 18-23, a residential camp for 9th-12th grade
              girls.
             Contact: Pete Heimdahl at heimdahlp@uwstout.edu
             http://www.uwstout.edu/

In 2006, SME-EF and Project Lead The Way - a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students - signed an agreement to fund and create a framework for enhanced STEPS curriculum to be offered in pilot programs in the greater area of Rochester, N.Y., and Riverside, Calif., and San Diego, Calif. Visit http://www.pltw.org/.