July 13, 2020
Triton College to host two Science, Technology, Engineering and Math summer camps
GADgET and GLoW camps introduce girls to opportunities in manufacturing
Triton College is excited to announce two Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) summer camps for girls that will introduce engineering technology educational concepts and hands-on skills used in the manufacturing industry. Through the School of Continuing Education, the college will offer the following on-campus programs:
• GADgET, for youth ages 10-14, Monday, July 20-Thursday, July 23.
• GLoW, for youth ages 12-16, Monday, July 27-Thursday, July 30.
In an effort to support entrepreneurial thinking and encourage creative freedom, campers will not use kits or pre-designed projects.
"GADgET and GLoW will show the girls how to use math through hands-on creative activities to build a real functional product. The participants will use industry-standard equipment to manufacture their own gadgets using a plan they designed,” said Antigone Sharris, Engineering Technology full-time faculty member.
The popular camp GADgET, Girls Adventuring in Design, Engineering and Technology, returns this summer for its 10th year. Camp participants between the ages of 10 and 14 will have hands-on practical experience with engineering tools, including computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printers and a laser cutter. The camp was created by Sharris and will be led by Triton Engineering faculty member Andrea Blaylock for summer 2020.
GLoW, Girls Learning to Weld, an opportunity not like any other, guides youth between the ages of 12 and 16 through hands-on welding projects. Created by Sharris in 2019, the camp covers safe welding practices, the different types of welding, prototyping, metal layout, and academic and career opportunities where welding is a key skill.
“Empowerment is the underlying goal of both programs. The girls will have a chance to meet and speak with women leaders in the manufacturing industry which traditionally is a male-dominated field," said Sharris. “The interactions will show the girls real-life role models and how to work towards goals in any industry they choose.”
During past camps, participants have made desk organizers, desk lamps, pet toys and accessories, phone charger stations and holders, candy and gumball dispensers. The camp experiences are designed to give the participants exposure to careers in manufacturing; engineering concepts, including robotics and hydraulics; working in teams; and other academic requirements to thrive in the 21st century manufacturing careers, said Blaylock.
“Triton College is proud of our talented faculty members that continue to conceptualize and deliver innovative educational programming. It is through opportunities such as these interactive summer camps that the college shows our commitment to serving the community,” said Belkis Torres-Capeles, dean, School of Continuing Education.
The tuition for GADgET is $275 and GLoW is $265 per student. Both camps will be in-person and held on campus following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines for safe social distancing procedures. For information on how to register for GADgET, GLoW and other youth summer camps at Triton College, visit the School of Continuing Education website or www.triton.edu/summercamps.