Today’s students are the most tech-savvy generation ever, yet many have no interest in technology-related careers. A recentsurvey of American teens found that while 96% of them report “liking” or “loving” technology, just 18% indicated an interest in pursuing a technology career.
Evidence-based research studies have shown that strategic interventions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning and career preparation need to occur much earlier than conventionally thought.
TECH CORPS, a national nonprofit organization based in Ohio, believes to ensure a technologically-literate workforce tomorrow; we must take a holistic approach to growing, nurturing and supporting students today. ”
Elementary and middle school students are enthusiastic users and consumers of technology. They hardly remember a time when there was no Internet, e-mail, cell phones, or digital media,” said Lisa M. Chambers, TECH CORPS National Executive Director. “The goal of TECH CORPS programs like Techie Camp is to put students in the role of actively creating and designing with technology–not just passively using and consuming it.”
With support from the Nordson Corporation Foundation, 100 Lorain County students will have that opportunity this summer. The Foundation is sponsoring five Techie Camps. The full day, week long camps will take students on a deep dive into Robotics or Programming.
“Nordson Corporation has long emphasized excellence in manufacturing, engineering and technology, as well as giving back to the communities where we operate,” said Cecilia Render, Executive Director of the Nordson Corporation Foundation. “Last summer, the Nordson Corporation Foundation Board visited the Techie Camp at Case Western Reserve University and was excited to see middle school students gladly spending part of their summer vacation learning about computer programming. The Board decided that students in Lorain County should have the same opportunity, and we are pleased that we have been able to work with TECH CORPS to make that happen. By helping promising local students develop their technical skills, we believe we can positively impact the success of our region over the long term.”
Techie Camps will be held in Elyria, Lorain, North Ridgeville and Oberlin. Students interested in being selected to participate will need to turn in a complete application packet before the Friday, February 28, 2014 deadline. Up to 20 students will be selected for each camp based on their application, essay and letter of recommendation. ”
Oberlin City Schools is proud to be one of the Techie Camp host sites,” said John Schroth, Superintendent of Oberlin City Schools. “This is a great opportunity for our students to put into practice skills and concepts learned in our STEM program. We are grateful to Nordson for underwriting this experience for the students of Lorain County!”
TECH CORPS will host more than 40 Techie Camps around the State of Ohio through partnerships with universities, school districts and nonprofit organizations. For details visit www.techcorps.org