Camp to Teach Girls About Engineering and Computer Science

Girls who attend Central Texas middle schools will learn about engineering and computer science during Southwestern Bell Discovery Week, a week-long residential summer camp held at Baylor University and conducted by the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Camp sessions will run June 14-19, June 21-26, July 5-10 and July 12-17. Sixteen girls who were seventh or eighth graders during the 1997-1998 school year will attend each session for a total of 64 participants.
"The goal of the camp is to provide young women with an experience that will build their awareness and interest in technical careers as well bolster their confidence that they can be successful in such endeavors," said Dr. Byron Newberry, associate professor of engineering and director of the camp.
Camp participants will take part in a variety of hands-on activities that deal with subjects such as robotics, electrical and mechanical engineering, and computer multimedia and creative design. While these activities will be taught by Baylor faculty members, camp participants also will interact with female college students who are majoring in engineering or computer science.
Learning activities will run from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day. A variety of recreational activities, such as bowling, swimming or watching movies, have been planned for each evening. The campers will stay in Russell Residence Hall.
A grant from the SBC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Southwestern Bell, will cover the cost of the camp with participants only paying a $30 registration fee. This is the third year the university has sponsored Discovery Week.