Texas Southmost College was awarded $100,000 by the Texas Workforce Commission to host a summer youth camp that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) through the Governor’s Summer Merit Program.
With this grant, TSC will host “STEM Superheroes,” a free virtual three-track camp open to any Rio Grande Valley high school student in grades 9-12. The camp is set to begin this month.
“The purpose of these camps is to promote high-skill, high-demand jobs in STEM fields,” said TSC Dean of STEM and Career Technology Education Murad Abusalim, Ph.D. “Each student will have the chance to explore STEM opportunities and gain valuable experience that hopefully encourages them to pursue STEM careers.”
According to a press release from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Governor’s Summer Merit Program aims to inspire Texas youth to pursue STEM-related careers and to introduce students to advanced technologies.
The camps also target young women and minorities with the goal of encouraging them to pursue educational and career opportunities in STEM.
“As Texas employers become more technologically advanced, we must ensure that the next generation of Texans are prepared with the STEM skills they need for success,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. “Congratulations to the 10 Texas colleges and universities for being selected by the Texas Workforce Commission for my office’s Summer Merit Program…this program will provide students across the state with STEM-based training that will better prepare them to compete for the high demand careers of the present and future.”
With this grant, TSC joins the ranks of Texas colleges and universities such as Texas A&M University, San Jacinto College, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Central Texas College.
“Although virtual, students can still expect to have a memorable experience,” said Abusalim, who, along with his department, are working diligently to make these camps fun and educational.
“Learning is fun. We want these students to see that they are capable of successful STEM careers and that there are many exciting career possibilities out there,” he said. “Our goal is to give them the tools they need to set up a path toward success in STEM.”
High school students will get to choose from one of three tracks: Biotechnology and Medicine, Physics and Robotics, or Cybersecurity and iOS App Development.
Some of the courses will also be offered as a dual-credit class aligned with TSC’s Dual Credit Pathways program.
Texas Workforce Commission Chair Bryan Daniel said it’s colleges like TSC that make the Governor’s Summer Merit Program a success for Texas students.
“The Governor’s Summer Merit Program encourages young Texans to pursue STEM fields which set them on a path for future careers in Texas’ innovative industries,” said Daniel. “Thanks to Governor Abbot and the contributions of our university and community college grantees, students will gain valuable STEM education and career exploration opportunities.”
Abusalim said TSC is looking forward to welcoming more than 300 students into its virtual classrooms this summer as part of the program.
“Last summer, because of COVID, our camps were cancelled, so we’re happy to be offering these opportunities once again,” he said. “It’s going to be an invaluable experience for the students in our area and we’re excited to create STEM superheroes.”
For more information, or to apply, email [email protected] or call (956) 295-3747.
