Published: 04-04-08
Programs Inspire Students to Focus on Careers in Science Technology Engineering and Math
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded $1 million to fund summer youth camps focusing on science technology engineering and math (STEM). These Summer Merit Program camps support initiatives by Gov. Rick Perry to prepare Texas’ future workforce to compete for the high-skill high-demand jobs of the future.
“Industries of the future will depend on and demand an educated workforce with a solid foundation in math science engineering and technology” said Gov. Perry. “For Texas to remain truly competitive in a global economy we must begin today preparing for tomorrow.”
The Governor’s Summer Merit Program will include up to 50 existing or new summer camps providing opportunities for more than 1000 students at Texas universities and community colleges during the summer of 2008 including:
• San Jacinto College
• Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
• Texas State Technical College
• Texas Tech University
• University of Houston
• University of Houston – Clear Lake
• University of North Texas
• University of Texas – Arlington
• University of Texas – Austin
• University of Texas – Dallas
• University of Texas – El Paso
• University of Texas – Medical Branch
• University of Texas – San Antonio
Summer camp program curriculums for students ages 14 and older include computer science earth science engineering robotics math natural science workshops scientific research and more.
One of the goals of the Summer Merit Program is to relieve financial obstacles for students who may not have had an opportunity to attend summer camp. The program also hopes to inspire students to pursue STEM-related careers thus increasing the number of STEM college graduates in Texas. The Summer Merit Program is supported by Workforce Investment Act Statewide Activity funds.
