Abstract 2156 Summer STEM Camps Can Drive Exposure and Positively Impact Middle and High School Students' Interest and Confidence in STEM Careers

Exposure is vital when learning about the opportunities and possibilities available within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Specifically, summer STEM camps can provide that exposure through hands-on experiments and innovative instructional teaching to assist students in developing skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Chicago State University (CSU) Upward Bound program is an academic and college preparatory program designed to provide students with skills and motivation to succeed in high school and college. Harper College (HC) InZone is a summer enrichment camp that provides a fun and safe learning environment for students ages 6-14 to develop new skills and learning opportunities. Building Bridges, Inc., a non-profit organization (EIN: 82-5445077), is designed to expose, equip, and empower young Black girls to pursue STEM education through self-awareness strategies. Building Bridges, Inc. partnered with both CSU Upward Bound and HC InZone to deliver two STEM-based summer camps where students were exposed to experiments and concepts relating to biology, chemistry, food science, and circuit engineering. STEM camps with CSU Upward Bound occurred July 2023 with high school students on the campus of CSU. Students (n=18) in grades 9th and 10th met twice a week (six days total) for 1 hour sessions. STEM camps at HC Inzone occurred August 2023 with predominantly middle school students on the campus of HC. Students (n=15) in grades 4th-9th met for one week (five days total) for 3 hour sessions. At the end of each day, students responded to a survey to share their thoughts about the STEM activity, their interest in STEM careers in the future, and their confidence to pursue STEM. Survey responses declared that 98% of students from both CSU Upward Bound and HC Inzone enjoyed the STEM activities during the STEM camps. Middle and high school students from both groups (76%) indicated the desire to learn more about STEM by doing more hands-on activities. More than 78% students across both groups indicated that they could see themselves considering a STEM career in the future. 85% high school students from CSU Upward Bound and 72% middle school students from HC Inzone felt confident about themselves after the STEM activities. Overall, survey feedback suggests that middle and high school students may benefit from summer STEM camp exposure through hands-on experiments and innovative instructional teaching that can ultimately play a crucial role in heightening students' confidence, curiosity, and motivation to pursue a career in STEM. Funding Statement: All materials were funded by Chicago State University Upward Bound and Harper College InZone.