Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2023
Texas Southern University is hosting 40 rising seventh through ninth grade girls for the GEMS Camp. GEMS, which stands for Girls interested in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science, is a 501(c)3 based out of Dallas.
The GEMS Camp was founded in 2010 by STEM educator Saki Milton to close the gender and racial gap in STEM studies and careers. Since its founding, 90 percent of participants have come from Title 1 schools, 96 percent are Black and Latina, and 60 percent are English Second Language students. Funding for the camp at TSU is provided by TSU’s Division of Research and Innovation and the TSU Foundation’s CenterPoint Energy FEM STEM grant. This is TSU’s first year hosting.
During this residential camp, the 40 scholars, who are primarily from the Greater Houston area, utilize a five karat system in the areas of academics, leadership, service, career, and creativity. They’re participating in math and science coursework and working with mentors to learn about self-confidence and conflict resolution, among other leadership traits. They’re also hearing from women in STEM who are sharing their stories of thriving in the field.
“We are excited to welcome these GEMS to the campus of Texas Southern University to engage in STEM education, activities, and to build relationships with like-minded young scholars,” said Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Erica Cassimere. “The STEM field is ripe with opportunities, and our vision is to plant seeds of what’s possible in the minds of these young ladies who we believe are our future healthcare professionals, engineers, computer scientists, researchers, rocket scientists, and great thinkers. We are committed to doing our part to build a pipeline of future female STEM leaders.”
They are participating in a community service project at the Houston Food Bank on Friday, June 23 from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. as they learn about nutrition and food insecurity. The camp will conclude with a community showcase of their capstone projects on Saturday in the Sterling Student Life Center from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Category: Students, News Media, Faculty & Staff, Alumni