Summer camp puts students on a Pathway to the Stars

San Jacinto College is gearing up for a new summer camp season, and one of the most anticipated camps for summer 2020 is the Pathway to the Stars camp.

As one of two community colleges nationwide to receive a NASA Minority University Research and Education Project Aerospace Academy grant, the College continues its efforts to provide science, technology, engineering, and math educational opportunities for K-12 students to build interest, skills, and the knowledge necessary to pursue STEM careers.

The Pathway to the Stars summer camp will feature hands-on STEM activities that focus on space exploration and NASA's journey to Mars. Some activity topics include ...

• Human health in space
• Hydroponics
• Radiation effects on space suits
• Space weather
• Energy resources
• Navigation and communication technology

Campers will also enjoy NASA and STEM guest speakers.

Another unique feature to camp will be personality assessments and learning about individual strengths within teambuilding. Dr. Janis Fowler, director of San Jac's Aerospace Academy, says the summer camp environment is a great setting for students to learn the fundamentals of what it takes to create great teams that accomplish big goals.

"We want these young students to explore, create, and not be afraid to try new things," said Fowler. "They'll be able to help each other and see their own strengths and abilities emerge with the various camp activities. We want them to build on these tangible experiences as they progress in their educational journeys and truly value how critical teambuilding is."

Fowler added that providing opportunities for young students to have fun while learning how to apply the skills and knowledge they're interested in not only reinforces the interest but also enhances curiosity about STEM careers and what is available to them in the Houston area.

"As we continue to develop workforce programs with NASA and the private sector at the College's EDGE Center at the Houston Spaceport, we are getting a firsthand look at the skills and talents needed to work within the aerospace industry," said Fowler. "Jobs in aerospace defense and space tourism are on the horizon, and with commercial companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, the industry is expanding, and a lot is happening in our backyard. We are witnessing a space industry expansion right in front of us, with endless opportunities for international collaboration, technology development, and new frontiers to explore."

In summer 2020, the Pathway to the Stars day camps will be offered:

• June 8-12
• June 15-19
• June 22-26
• July 6-10
• July 13-17
• July 20-24

Camp times are Mondays-Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Fridays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., at the College's Central, North, and South Campuses. The camps are available to students in grades 5-8. Registration is free with limited spots available.

For more information on Pathway to the Stars dates and registration, call 281-459-5470 or email aerospace@sjcd.edu.

Learn more about San Jac summer camps.