Hands-On Summer Camp Ignites STEM Curiosity in Grades 4-9

The Department of Biological Sciences, with the financial support of the Office of Academic Affairs, implemented a pilot two-week STEM Training and Explorer Program (S.T.E.P.). The immersive summer STEM enrichment camp, designed for students in grades 4-9, began on Monday, June 2, 2025 through Thursday, June 12, 2025.

The purpose of the initiative was to cultivate a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while developing critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork skills. S.T.E.P. provided students with early exposure to STEM through hands-on learning and mentorship, fostering a pipeline for future scientific inquiry and higher education engagement.

Dr. Jeanette Jones, a University Distinguished Biology Professor, served as the Program Director. Dr. Lisa Dalrymple-McKitt and Professor Tia Hampton, both Biology faculty members, acted as Program Coordinators. Dr. Tyesha Farmer, also a Biology faculty member, along with Yvonne Sanderson, Yvette Kinds, and visiting Harvard graduate Jovonne Foster, served as instructors for the S.T.E.P. classroom. The staff and graduate students from the Biological Sciences program provided support for the program.

Additional partners included the National Inventors Hall of Fame Camp Invention (NIHF), a non-profit organization that supplied STEM resource materials for S.T.E.P. day campers. These materials were designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and ignite a lifelong love for learning. Furthermore, The Links, Incorporated, and the Ivy Center Foundation donated embroidered lab jackets, awards and certificates for each participant.

S.T.E.P. participants worked with AAMU faculty, graduate students, and local classroom teachers in structured lab experiences, interactive lessons, and collaborative research projects. The program enrolled 35 campers and operated Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. During the morning sessions, campers engaged in teacher-facilitated, group-lead hands-on activities that encouraged their young minds to explore creativity and innovation through STEM to meet real-world challenges we face today.

Some activities included machine building and engineering, building transmitters and understanding data transmission, science behind optical illusions, and environmental changes in the ecosystem. During the afternoon sessions, campers visited various STEM labs across the campus to learn about the innovative and exciting research happening in those areas. Campers visited labs in the Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Biology and Food Sciences Departments.

Two exciting field trips included visits to the AAMU Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station and the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology. At the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, students observed both small and large ruminant farms and learned about animal science. During their visit to the Hudson Alpha Institute, students participated in lab tours.

S.T.E.P. concluded with a culminating ceremony, showcasing projects that campers engaged in during the two-week of camp. The awards ceremony included a luncheon, with parents and supporters where camp participants were recognized with awards, certificates and AAMU S.T.E.P. lab coats.

The ultimate goal of the program was to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators, while strengthening community ties and promoting higher education pathways in STEM fields. This program is an investment in the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technology leaders who will shape the future, and we look forward to the future of S.T.E.P. on The Hill.