Rising Scholars Academy Engineering Camp
The Rising Scholars Academy Engineering summer camp was a week-long resident camp that took place at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi this past June. Forty-one middle school students from South Texas ISD in San Benito stayed in the TAMU-CC dorms, ate at the Islander Dining Hall, and participated in hands-on robotics activities. Participants also swam at the campus pool, played air hockey and board games at the University Center, and visited the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington.
“This is the first year that this camp has taken place at TAMU-CC and we are hoping to continue the partnership with South Texas ISD in future years,” said Mayra Alvarado ’24, camp coordinator.
On the last day of the camp, the students participated in a competition. Robots were placed in an obstacle course, and whichever robot delivered the package — a small stuffed cow — the furthest along the obstacle course in the shortest time, won a prize. There was also a recognition ceremony where each student and camp assistant received a certificate for their hard work throughout the camp.
“Introducing kids to opportunities like this is amazing,” said Lorryn Berry ’23, an electrical engineering major and camp mentor. “They got to live like an engineering student for a whole week, and they also learned a lot about problem-solving and teamwork, which is something I hope they continue to practice after middle school.”