On Saturday, August 12, the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Science partnered with the STEM colleges, divisions, and community partners to host the inaugural Middle School STEM Summit sponsored by GE Vernova and the Clemson University Office of College Preparation and Outreach. The purpose of this summit was to showcase STEM and its impact on the community and industry to rising sixth through ninth-grade students. During the summit, students had the opportunity to explore sessions featuring activities led by faculty and staff from the three STEM colleges on campus, the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences; the College of Science, and the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. These hands-on activities focused on the role of STEM in the environment, the impact of earthqu
akes on buildings, programming robots, and Program RVR(Rovers). For example, in one session students were able to test their artistic and computer skills by programming a Scribbler robot to draw simple shapes like squares and circles.
While their students were engaged in the STEM sessions, the parents were introduced to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Littlejohn Community Center, and recruitment representatives from the STEM colleges. Each of these sessions focused on helping middle school students transition to high school and beyond. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions featured requirements for acceptance to Clemson University acceptance, and the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment for the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences focused on the majors offered for those interested in these fields. The summit concluded with a panel of GE representatives sponsored by GE Vernova who spoke on the employment opportunities available for STEM majors. Both parents and students appreciated the information and experiences this summit provided, and they were grateful for the opportunity to participate. According to their survey, the most important takeaway for students was the “need to stay focused on your career path to get to your goal.”
We would like to thank the Clemson University Office of College Preparation and Outreach for partnering with the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences to host this summit and GE Vernova for sponsoring this event to help encourage students interested in STEM to pursue a college degree
Fast Facts:
Total Students: 120
Sixth Grade: 31
Seventh Grade: 33
Eighth Grade: 43
Ninth Grade: 13
