Washtenaw Community College will be offering an intensive two-week program for the summer of 2013 for pre-college students to promote the science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, fields thanks to a $25,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation.
Students study inside a Washtenaw Community College media lab. This summer, WCC will be offering the STEM program for pre-college students interested in learning more about science, technology, engineering and math.
AnnArbor.com file photo
The purpose of the STEM program is to engage students in STEM fields, help them meet minimum requirements for entering college-level courses, and introduce them to skills that will be helpful in college.
"Because everyone has different interests and needs, the pre-college STEM initiative is tailored to be relevant for each student," said Rose B. Bellanca, WCC president, in a statement. She said students will be pointed to the sessions that fit their needs. "They will also receive helpful information on how to manage test anxiety, access financial aid, and take advantage of support services at the college."
The DTE grant will help fund faculty, tutors and program guides, who will expose students to various STEM fields, potential careers and hands-on activities.
Nagash Clarke, who teaches chemistry at WCC and has helped develop the STEM program, wants students to realize they might be able to tackle subjects that seem out of reach.
"There are so many bright students in our community," he stated. "We want them to expand their view of what's possible and think to themselves, 'Why not take physics? Why not major in chemistry? Why not find the cure for cancer?'"
The program runs , from 9 a.m.-3 p.m on weekdays from July 15 to 26 at a cost of $50. There is room for 24 students and lunch is provided. For more information, go to the program's website or contact Clarke at 734-973-3319 or nclarke@wccnet.edu.