PCEC News
GVSU STEPS Camp Makes STEM Fun
June 10, 2022
The GVSU Science, Technology, and Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) Camp is back for its 21st year! We are thrilled to have a full roster of incoming 7th grade campers and excited to once again be operating fully in-person. The aviation-themed camp will involve students in learning STEM concepts through creation of a remote-controlled airplane, which students will then get to pilot and demonstrate to their families on the last day of camp.
“The one-on-one attention and engagement students receive from camp counselors and peers during the in-person camp sessions is so beneficial,” said PCEC Outreach Coordinator and STEPS Camp Director, Sara Maas. “The kids learn so much from one another and the interactions they have with college students who are studying STEM majors at GVSU make careers in STEM seem attainable. It’s really very inspirational for the middle school students.”
In addition to creating RC airplanes, students will gain experience in coding, try out a flight simulator, and participate in field trips to Arconic Power & Propulsion Plant, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Amway hangar, GVSU's Allendale campus, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
“STEPS Camp truly does make a difference in encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM,” explained Casey Thelenwood, Assistant Dean of the GVSU Padnos College of Engineering & Computing. “It’s not uncommon for students who attended the camp in middle school to come back and serve as counselors once they are in college. In fact, this year, two of our counselors were once STEPS campers themselves. We’ve had several STEPS alumni go on to complete engineering and computing programs at GVSU or other universities. When you ask these students what inspired them to pursue careers in STEM, STEPS is always part of the equation. The camp does a wonderful job of demonstrating that STEM can be fun.”
Our sincere gratitude to our STEPS Camp sponsors and volunteers for encouraging the next generation of STEM professionals! This opportunity is made possible through the generosity of Michigan Space Grant Consortium, Bosch Community Fund, Cascade Engineering, Howmet Aerospace Foundation, Parker Hannifin, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and West Michigan Aviation Academy. Multiple R/C plane clubs assist campers with building the airplanes and serve as pilots and pit crew during Flight Night. Warped Wings hosts the camp for flying of the R/C planes.
Visit the Padnos College of Engineering & Computing website.