(Feb. 22, 2018) Worcester County Economic Development is now accepting applications for the 2018 STEM summer enrichment programs.
These programs provide opportunities for Worcester County students ages 12-24 to explore local career paths. The application process is competitive, and applications are available online at www.chooseworcester.org/STEM.
The deadline for NASA internships is March 1, with applicants to apply online at www.nasa.gov. The deadline for all other programs is March 31, though early registration is encouraged for top internship placement consideration.
“Our program connects local STEM businesses with our future workforce,” WCED Deputy Director Kathryn Gordon said. “We show Worcester County students that science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers are available right here in their backyards.”
The Reach for the Stars STEM Camp is an eight-day computer science and engineering summer program offering instruction by engineers from NASA and the private sector, in conjunction with a team of qualified educators.
It will take place at The Red Doors Community Center on Third Street in Ocean City, and is open to students enrolled in grades 6-8 in the 2017/2018 school year.
“Our STEM camp, leadership cohort, and internship program are recognized by community businesses and entrepreneurs as a workforce development pipeline that offers them the opportunity to home-grow their future workforce,” STEM summer programs coordinator Fawn Mete said.
There is no cost to participate in the camp, and transportation from centralized points in the county is provided. Space is limited to 20 students. Camp runs July 16-19 and July 23-26.
The STEM Leadership Cohort is designed for students enrolled in grades 9-11 in the 2017/2018 school year.
Participants meet on Thursdays in July for professional development sessions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, UMES, and Hardwire LLC on a variety of career readiness topics, including resume writing, interview skills, workplace communication, conflict resolution, leadership and entrepreneurship. Students will receive mentorship from several STEM workforce partners.
The STEP UP Internship Program provides high school seniors, college students and graduate students with opportunities to gain hands-on work experience in healthcare settings, tech companies, engineering firms, environmental science agencies and digital media production companies.
Students’ skills and interests will be matched with the needs of the employers. Interns work 100 hours total from June 1 to July 26 and earn $11/hour.
Prior interns exercised their new skills at NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Orbital ATK, Hardwire LLC, Martin Physical Therapy, Atlantic General Hospital, Peninsula Cardiology, West Ocean City Injury and Illness Center, Bel-Art Products, Ricca Chemical, TR Group, Studio Codeworks, D3Corp, Full City Media, Sprout Creatives, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, State Ventures LLC, The Atlantic Group, OceanCity.com, Habitat for Humanity, EA Science Technology and Engineering, Eastern Shore Physical Therapy, among others.
For more information, email Mete at fawnmete@gmail.com.