STEM Pathway Camp 2022

Local high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to Clark College from 8:00 am – 1:30 pm on June 27th – 30th to get a taste of a STEM college pathway.

Each day, “campers” will participate in hands-on STEM activities with college professors. Each group of campers will have a MESA mentor – a current Clark College student who is successfully pursuing a STEM degree, and who can advise about beginning a college career. Campers will learn about resources and opportunities available to college students through fun activities, and will be awarded for participation. Breakfast and lunch will be prepared by Clark College Culinary Arts Chefs and Students, and each camper can invite up to two family members to join the final lunchtime celebration from 12:00 – 1:30 pm on Thursday.

MESA-qualified students (first generation college students, students at an economic disadvantage, and underrepresented students in STEM – such as Native American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, and Hispanic/Latinx students) are especially encouraged to participate.

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Program Agenda:

8:00 am – 9:00 am, Monday – Thursday: Welcome/Registration/COVID-19 Screening

Breakfast, Ice Breakers, and Opening Remarks

9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Monday – Thursday: Each group of 12 students will rotate through each of these STEM sessions, led by Clark College Professors (one session per day, Monday-Thursday).

• Computer-Controlled Finger: Design and build a mechanical “finger,” and then program it with a servo motor, a potentiometer, and an Arduino board and software.
• The Science of Singing: Learn about the physics of sound and the biology of singing using flames and tongues and more (not all at the same time!).
• Design Thinking: Develop an appreciation of the role of engineering in society by designing, developing, building, and testing prototypes focused on sustainability and community engagement.
• The Problem with Plastics: Learn about the recyclability of plastics and the prevalence of plastics in our environment, and then design solutions to extract plastics from the marine environment.

12:00 pm – 12:45 pm, Monday – Wednesday: “Scavenger Hunts” to learn about Clark College campus and services

12:45 pm – 1:30 pm, Monday – Wednesday: Lunch and closing remarks

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, Thursday, June 30th: Celebration with family members and camp sponsors. Food, music, slideshow, speakers, and possible award announcements.

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FAQs:

How much does the STEM Pathways Camp cost?

This camp isn’t just FREE; it’s better than free!

• FREE breakfast, lunch, and snacks/drinks during the camp
• FREE one-year subscription to Brilliant.org (fun, interactive online STEM activities)
• FREE gifts, including a $50 gift card for those who attend the entire program
• Possible scholarships for campers who enroll at Clark College and join MESA

Where on the campus will the camp take place?

The camp will begin and end in Gaiser Student Center, in Gaiser Hall, at the middle of campus. (Click the links for maps.) Campers will sign into and out of the camp and be served breakfast and lunch by Clark’s Culinary Arts Chefs and Students in Gaiser Student Center each day. On Thursday, family members are invited to the camp celebration, and to enjoy lunch with their campers, from 12:00-1:30 in Gaiser Student Center.

STEM sessions will take place in the STEM building (SBG) and the Science building (SCI), and campers will explore the rest of the campus during before-lunch activities on Monday-Wednesday.

How can students get to camp?

Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663. C-TRAN offers a free bus pass for youth: the “Youth Opportunity Pass.” Clark College is on several bus routes: 25, the Vine, 6, and 30 (click the links for maps). Parking is also free in Clark College parking lots. Parking lots Red 3, Green 1, and Green 2 are closest to Gaiser Hall (see this ).

Do campers need to attend all four days of the camp?

We have food, supplies, and activities for a planned number of campers. If you want to attend the STEM Pathways camp, please do attend all four days.

What is the COVID-19 screening?

Please complete this health screening before coming to campus each day. It asks if you have symptoms that are not due to another condition, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 5 days.

Are masks required to attend?

Masks are optional at Clark College, both indoors and outdoors.

Will housing be provided for this camp?

This program is a day camp. No on- or off-campus housing will be provided for campers. Campers should arrive on campus between 8:00 and 8:15 am each day to check in, and will check out at 1:30 pm.

What is MESA?

MESA stands for Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement. The mission of MESA is to broaden participation and improve academic outcomes for underrepresented students in STEM education. For more information, see the Clark College MESA page.

What if I have other questions?

Please direct any other questions to [email protected].

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This camp is sponsored by:

Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at . If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, you should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-992-0901 VP, or visit Penguin Union Building 013, as soon as possible (typically 2 weeks before the event).

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