Southwestern Michigan College has been awarded another Bosch Community Fund grant for the seventh Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Camp the third week of June on the Dowagiac campus.

Math and Physics Professor Andrew Dohm, who writes the grants, said the popular free camps will be offered to area students entering grades 4-6 this fall.

Dohm is “planning for around 200 students this year. It’s a great age to tap into because of their excitement. For over seven years, their generosity has made it possible for us to offer a STEM Summer Camp to students in our community — an opportunity that has been truly transformative for countless young minds.

“Thanks to their support, we have been able to inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for STEM in students who might not otherwise have access to such enriching experiences,” Dohm said. “Each year, the camp has provided hands-on learning opportunities and the chance for students to envision themselves as the future engineers, scientists and problem-solvers of our world. We deeply value the partnership we have built with the BOSCH Community Fund and look forward to continuing this collaboration to inspire and empower the next generation.”

Last summer, campers measured load-bearing Leaning Towers of Pasta built of raw spaghetti and marshmallows, coded with artificial intelligence (AI), ran a math-based pizzeria to learn fractions and made multi-colored slime from water, glue, shaving cream, food coloring and cornstarch.

Hands-on activities stress problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaborative teamwork.

“We will open sign-up at the end of May/beginning of June,” Dohm said. “We will advertise a web page with a link to sign up.”