Stillman College and Verizon to host free STEM program for students grades 6-8

Courtesy of Stillman College

Verizon Innovative Learning and Stillman College are teaming up once more to provide a free summer STEM camp for area middle-schoolers.

The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program will be held at Stillman College, June 5-30. This free STEM enrichment program will provide students in grades 6-8 hands-on training in topics like design thinking, 3D printing, augmented reality, social entrepreneurship, and more.

The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program is designed to create a more diverse pipeline for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields; no prior knowledge or experience is required for participation.

Registration is free and underway.

State certified teachers will facilitate the classes each day, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided each day.

Andrew Robertson, dean of Career Services at Stillman College, said the Verizon STEM camp at Stillman helps address the digital divide, which affects African Americans disproportionately.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning and provide unique STEM learning experiences to students in Tuscaloosa, especially the West End,” Robertson said. “For some students, the STEM Achievers Program is their first exposure to activities such as robotics and 3D printing, and these immersive experiences can be a platform for future interests and discovery in STEM fields.”

Verizon launched its Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program to empower middle school students in under-resourced communities to explore STEM subjects, learn problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to career opportunities in technology fields. The company’s signature education initiative is focused on driving digital equity and inclusion through a suite of programs and resources and continues to partner with 45 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and community colleges for the program.

The program’s interactive curriculum centers around four educational tracks: immersive media, smart solutions, digital product innovations and artificial intelligence. Participating students receive mentorship, access to next-gen technology – such as 3D printing, augmented reality (AR) and robotics, and hands-on training connected to real-world challenges that help teach design thinking and social entrepreneurship.