Engineering camp inspires local middle school students

Returning for its fourth year, the Engineering a Better World camp continues to inspire middle school students to explore STEM fields. Held for four weeks each fall, the camp is a partnership between JMU Engineering and the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE), organized by the Engineering Ambassadors.

This year, over 50 students participated in activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity through hands-on learning.

Projects included building and testing marble roller coasters with the Engineering Ambassadors, creating solar ovens with the National Society of Black Engineers, and tackling an egg drop challenge with the Society of Women Engineers. The final session, led by JMU’s NASA Student Launch team, culminated in designing and launching bottle rockets.

The camp emphasizes collaboration among student organizations, showcasing the breadth of opportunities within the Engineering program. “Our program is a close-knit community, and it’s amazing to see JMU students mentoring middle schoolers,” said Julia Larson, an engineering ambassador.

By focusing on creative problem-solving, the camp highlights the broader aspects of engineering and dispels the misconception that it is solely about math and science.

“Events like this inspired me as a child,” said Aiden McPherson, head of outreach for the engineering ambassadors. “We want to show students that engineering is fun, not scary.”

Shae Powell, academic advisor and camp coordinator, highlighted the camp’s focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment for community engagement, learning, and STEM outreach, giving middle school students opportunities they might not otherwise experience.

Looking ahead, the engineering ambassadors plan to launch a similar program for high school students to deepen their understanding of engineering and prepare for college-level experiences.

For more information on upcoming camps, visit SPCE.