Summer Academy Inspires High School Students to Explore Exciting STEM Programs and Careers

Sinclair Community College is giving high school students exciting hands-on exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs and careers through a special two-week summer academy. This year’s academy was held from June 3-14, 2024, and immersed the students in a variety of activities aimed at making them feel comfortable on college campuses and engaged them in hands-on STEM experiences alongside Sinclair faculty and community partners.

The students explored numerous laboratories at Sinclair’s Dayton and Centerville campuses, including those focused on math, agriculture, artificial intelligence, biology, chemistry, computer science, cybersecurity, geology, and physics. In addition, the students learned about Sinclair’s robust services including financial aid, mental health, scholarships, and transfer options.

Throughout their time at Sinclair, the students also visited local facilities, including the Westside Maker Space and the Air Force Research Laboratory Gaming Research Integration for Learning Laboratory. These excursions provided them with a firsthand look at the cutting-edge work being done in various STEM fields.

“Our goal is to spark interest in STEM fields among students, especially those traditionally underrepresented in these areas,” said Sarah Heist, Program Coordinator - STEM Education & Partnerships – Sinclair Community College. “By making early connections and raising awareness about the pathways to higher education in STEM, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.”

Sinclair Community College is collaborating with the Department of Defense (DOD) STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) and Central State University (CSU) to host the Summer Academy, which was first launched in 2022. 

This year, students from Dayton Early College Academy (DECA), Dayton Region STEM School, Chaminade-Julienne, Stivers, Belmont, West Carrollton, and several homeschoolers participated in the program.

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