Select middle school girls from throughout the state will attend classes in aerodynamics, plastics technology and computer aided design, and then use the skills to construct a remote controlled plane. It's all part of the STEPS Camp experience, or Science Technology and Engineering Preview Summer day camps. Two sessions at Grand Valley State University will run June 19-22 and June 26-29.
The goal of the camp is to show young women what it takes to become an engineer. The program targets girls at two critical stages. As they enter seventh grade and again in 10th and 11th grade. Introducing them early to the opportunities for technical careers allows them to choose appropriate math, science and technical courses throughout middle and high school.
STEPS is tuition-free and was created in 1997 at the University of Wisconsin-Stout as part of an effort to attract more women and minorities into the field of engineering. The program at Grand Valley is one of 12 schools in seven states. STEPS was brought to Michigan by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Educational Foundation, located in Dearborn, Mich.
The program at Grand Valley is structured for middle school girls. It is sponsored by Grand Valley's Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, the School of Engineering, and the Regional Math and Science Center. This year's program has received funding and support from the Alcoa Foundation, Michigan Space Grant Consortium and Grand Valley State University. More than 100 girls statewide qualified for the 80 openings. Campers were selected by lottery. This is the fifth year that GVSU has sponsored the STEPS Program and upon completion will have hosted more than 380 girls.
Twenty female engineers from Howmet Castings, an Alcoa business in Whitehall, are involved in the STEPS program and will provide a tour and participate in laboratory operations. Campers receive hands-on experience working with engineers, faculty from Grand Valley, and other volunteers. The girls learn how to adapt, modify and assemble parts for construction of their airplanes.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
Campers will fly their airplanes at the Warped Wings Fly Field located at the corner of Alger and 56th Avenue in Allendale, Mich. Fly dates for the two camp sessions are from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22 and June 29.
For a complete schedule of camp events or more information, contact Margo Dill at (616) 331-2267 and visit www.gvsu.edu/steps.
