The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program completed its sixth year at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
This year, the program hosted two three-week camps, each with at least 70 young participants. The three weeks culminated in a Verizon-style youth Shark Tank event, coding challenges and a hackathon, all held in the presence of their parents, according to a news release.
During the camps, all students worked on solving a world problem, building a business plan, creating commercials and presenting their projects to a panel of community leaders serving as judges.
The highlight for many students was dining at the university cafeteria, where they ate twice a day with unlimited options, and had a water fun day on the last day of camp.
UAPB also hosted the Verizon program in El Dorado for a day, led by alumna Irene Lacy. The event was packed with experiments and robot challenges.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is a free, project-based, immersive STEM program designed for middle school students in under-resourced communities. The program not only allows students to explore STEM subjects and develop problem-solving skills but also opens their eyes to a world of technological career opportunities. Its goal is to create a more diverse pipeline of future professionals in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, according to the release.
The program’s interactive curriculum focuses on four educational tracks: immersive media, smart solutions, digital product innovations and artificial intelligence.
Participating students receive mentorship from industry professionals and access to next-gen technology, such as 3D printing for prototyping, augmented reality (AR) for immersive learning experiences and robotics for hands-on engineering challenges. They also receive hands-on training connected to real-world challenges, teaching them design thinking and social entrepreneurship.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to uplift the lives of our young people and inspire them to continue pursuing STEM opportunities,” said Laura Hildreth, UAPB STEM project specialist.
For details, contact Laura Hildreth at (870) 575-7112.
A learner experiences 3D with a virtual reality headset at the Verizon Innovative Learning Achievers Program at UAPB. (Special to The Commercial/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff)
The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is a free, project-based, immersive STEM program designed for middle school students in under-resourced communities. (Special to The Commercial/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff)