Carroll Community College partnered with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (JHU/APL) and Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) to offer 40 high school students a unique opportunity to learn more about the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields at a summer exploration camp. The camp was held June 25 through June 28, 2012. On June 29, there was a trip to the JHU/APL. The hours of the camp were from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

STEM professionals (including APL instructors and Carroll faculty) taught hands-on activities in the areas of forensics, rockets, mathematics, environmental science, chemistry, robotics, and cybersecurity/computer programming. Carroll students served as mentors to the high school students. Each day at lunch, participants heard from JHU/APL professionals who currently work in STEM fields.

STEM professionals (including APL instructors and Carroll faculty) taught hands-on activities in the areas of forensics, rockets, mathematics, environmental science, chemistry, robotics, and cybersecurity/computer programming.

"I am pleased that Carroll has partnered with JHU/APL to encourage high school students to become more familiar with opportunities in the STEM field. I am also pleased that CCPS continues to work with Carroll on initiatives for students," said College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo.

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. James Ball said: "The practical applications of classroom STEM concepts during the week-long camp motivated high school students to consider further study of the STEM field. This was a wonderful learning experience for students with real-world results."

JHU/APL Senior Engineer Robert McLeod said: "JHU/APL is committed to STEM outreach and was happy to jointly sponsor the STEM camp with our partners. We hope to encourage this student cohort to continue on a path toward a career in STEM. We hope that the STEM camp served as a model for how organizations who rely heavily on STEM professionals can partner with academic institutions to provide life-altering experiences for students."

CCPS STEM Coordinator Bryan Shumaker added: "CCPS was excited to partner with prestigious institutions like JHU/APL and Carroll Community College to bring this unique STEM camp to students. We are most pleased that this experience supported our STEM vision to integrate the content, processes, skills, and language of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through authentic, problem-based experiences."

Over 100 students from Carroll Community College and McDaniel College participated in the Westminster Spring Clean-up on Saturday April 28, 2012.

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