The Rotary STEM Youth Explorer Academy
In the US today there is a large disparity between the number of STEM college graduates and position openings. The STEM disciplines are key to Rotary’s success in delivering on its “Seven Areas of Focus”. A special committee is working to develop a residential camp (academy) held at college campus where middle school age students (grades 6-8) convene from throughout the District to participate in a multi-day program, akin to Camp Neidig. The activities and curriculum are built around the STEM disciplines with the intent of inspiring our youth to consider a STEM area as an educational focus.
To create a context for STEM learning, the District is exploring a partnership with the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Institute to draw on their educational resources regarding astronomy, space exploration and the search for life beyond earth. We are also exploring a partnership with Albright College to host the academy and assist in curriculum development as well as faculty training. The program would include guest speakers, workshops, team building exercises, exploratory hikes and more.
You can follow this link https://youtu.be/iSZ8NmFe3Cc to learn more about this project and how your club can be a co-sponsor in a grant application to fund the development of the program. We are also looking for volunteers to assist in program development and delivery.
For more information contact Mike Orbin at 610-703-4292, morbin@ptd,net.