Science + summer = STEM-tacular fun at CMU

This summer, Central Michigan University is buzzing with excitement. Three unique and STEM-packed events are coming to campus, all hosted through the College of Science and Engineering. These programs offer K-12 students a chance to learn, explore, and experience college life firsthand, while diving into some seriously cool science and engineering topics.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Girls in Engineering Academy (GEA)

In partnership with the Engineering Society of Detroit, the Girls in Engineering Academy (GEA) is returning to CMU for a three-week, immersive residential experience. This program invites middle and high school girls to live on campus, eat in the dining halls, and enjoy campus life, while getting hands-on with everything from product design and sociology to astronomy and ecology.

From July 20 to 25, the GEA campers will head north to CMU’s Beaver Island Biological Station (CMUBS), where they’ll explore the island’s rich ecosystem with support from CMU Biological Station Director and biology faculty member Kevin Pangle, who will guide ecology lessons and nature tours. There’ll be time for fun, too, with hiking, kayaking, telescope stargazing, and classic campfire bonding on the island’s scenic shores.

PING: Physicists Inspiring the Next Generation

Supported by an NSF grant, PING is bringing six Michigan high school students to CMU for two weeks of hands-on physics fun. Alongside CMU student mentor Ryan Opperman and physics faculty mentor Dr. Matt Redshaw, these students will live in the residence halls, eat on campus, and explore CMU’s facilities, all while diving deep into physics concepts through lab activities, experiments, and more.

PING students also get the chance to visit CMUBS from July 18 to 20, where they’ll enjoy a mix of fieldwork, outdoor exploration, and group activities. Whether in the classroom or by the beach, this camp gives future physicists a glimpse at real-world science in action.

Clare-Gladwin RESD Robotics Camp

The College of Science and Engineering is also teaming up with Clare-Gladwin RESD to host a four-day robotics camp led by CMU engineering faculty member Ben Ritter. This day camp brings middle and high school students to CMU from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day for hands-on learning focused on designing, building, and programming a robot from the ground up.

Camp kicks off July 14 with a visit to Discover CMU Day, where students can check out CMU’s programs and campus. From there, they’ll get to work, building the robot’s drive train on July 15, diving into programming on the 16th, and wrapping up with testing and troubleshooting on the 17th.

These summer programs give students a preview of college life and a front-row seat to CMU’s commitment to hands-on, engaging STEM education. Whether they’re sleeping in the dorms, working alongside CMU faculty, or coding their first robot, these students are walking away with new skills, and maybe even new dreams.

So while most students are taking a break from the classroom this summer, the College of Science and Engineering is making sure the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators are getting a jumpstart on their future.

Let the summer of STEM begin!