Youngsters Abandon Lazy Days of Summer to Hone Math and Science Skills
University of Houston quenching local students’ thirst for knowledge this summer
While some middle-school-aged students are spending their summer days at the local pool, those participating in the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp at the University of Houston are escaping the heat by diving into a fun, two-week adventure in math and science.
Campers are delving into relevant topics such as sustainability, energy, clean water, and robotics as they learn about exciting career opportunities available to them through science, technology, engineering, and math.
Former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris and ExxonMobil have partnered since 2006 to provide the two-week residential camp free of charge to underserved middle-school students at 30 college campuses across the country, including the University of Houston.
“ExxonMobil is committed to engaging the next generation of creative minds, thinkers, and developers who will keep the United States competitive,” said Suzanne McCarron, president of ExxonMobil Foundation. “By partnering with Dr. Harris, we are able to reach talented students and provide them with an experience that could lead them to pursue a career in math, science, engineering, or technology.”
Campers are taught by university faculty, attend daily classes in natural science, engineering, mathematics, and technology, and enjoy activities including classroom study, experiments, individual and team projects, weekly field excursions, and inspirational guest speakers. As part of their educational experience, the campers also work side-by-side with engineers and other professionals who are accomplished in their chosen technology-related careers.
“The University of Houston is honored to host the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp,” said Camp Director Paige Evans. “Not only are we providing these students with two exciting weeks on our campus and offering them the unique opportunity to experience a college campus for the first time, but we are also investing in our community by encouraging the next generation of innovative problem solvers.”
HISD students participating in this camps come from Briarmeadow, Burbank, Cullen, Deady, Hamilton, Hartman, Lanier, and Pershing Middle Schools; Crespo and Parker Elementary Schools; and T.H. Rogers and the Gregory Lincoln Education Center.