The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) was recently awarded a $100,000 grant by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to invest in summer youth camps focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). TEES’ grant will provide 75 scholarships for three camps, including the BioFORCE Academy, where campers learn about careers in health sciences, biotechnology research, medical discoveries, and biomanufacturing at the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing.
Administered by TWC, the effort is part of the Governor’s Summer Merit Program, which aims to inspire Texas youth to pursue STEM-related careers. The camps introduce campers to one or more of six industry clusters: advanced technologies and manufacturing, aerospace and defense, biotechnology and life sciences, information and computer technology, petroleum refining and chemical products, and energy.
“These camps allow students to explore STEM disciplines outside the classroom while showing them the possibilities of a career in those fields,” Governor Rick Perry said. “The Texas economy is becoming more and more technologically advanced, and our continuing success depends on the skills these bright young scientists and engineers will bring to the workforce.”