Summer Camp Opens New Paths to Future Careers

Fourteen high school students participated in Lincoln University of Missouri's (LU) federally supported STEAM summer camp, held July 6-12. The program gave students opportunities to explore STEAM - science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics - and the many ways those fields connect.

Funded through NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project and USDA NIFA's NextGen Program, the camp was offered at no cost to selected students. The experience introduced participants to emerging technologies while encouraging them to consider future education and careers in STEAM.

"We focus on areas including big data science, machine learning, AI, GIS and drones, as well as digital agriculture through technologies such as sensors, weather stations and robotics," said John Yang, Ph.D., professor of environmental science with LU Cooperative Research.

Yang has led the summer camp since 2023. He said the effort helps address workforce needs by introducing students to areas where employers increasingly seek skilled professionals.

Summer camp participants examine drone technology during a hands-on activity.

The University of Missouri (MU) partnered with LU throughout the week, hosting students on its Columbia campus and contributing faculty-led sessions in digital agriculture and data science. MU also provided housing, while LU welcomed the group to its Jefferson City campus and Busby Farm for activities in geospatial science and drone applications.

Participants ranged from incoming freshmen to rising seniors, with most coming from Missouri communities. However, Maya Cardona, a rising senior at the School for Advanced Studies in Miami, Florida, traveled farther to attend. She discovered the opportunity online and said it caught her attention because it aligned with her interests in NASA, agriculture and environmental science.

"It's been amazing, and honestly, I feel like I've been learning a lot," Cardona said. "Everything has been completely new, which is kind of surprising because I am a STEM person."

Cardona said her favorite activity involved assembling soil sensors and using them to measure moisture levels. The exercise demonstrated how technology can collect information about soil conditions and support agricultural research.

A drone flies over LU's Busby Farm, where students learned how researchers use specialized sensors and GPS technology to collect information about crops, plant health, water use and wildlife.

Khira Ricks, a rising senior at Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri, said the robotics activity, which included computer-operated agricultural equipment, stood out most because of her strong interest in technology. She learned about the opportunity through her high school's college access page.

The program helped participants prepare for life beyond high school. Professional development sessions focused on college life, résumé preparation, job interview skills and the college application process.

Students connected with professionals and visited research facilities, museums and science centers related to agriculture, technology and space exploration. They met with a NASA professional to learn about the agency's work and career opportunities before visiting the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the Soil Health Assessment Center at MU South Farm. Later in the week, the group traveled to the Space Museum and Grissom Center in Bonne Terre and the St. Louis Science Center.

At the end of the week, students completed a post-camp survey reflecting on their experiences and favorite activities. Saaruj Khadka, Ph.D., an LU research scientist who coordinates the camp, said flying drones drew the strongest response. Many described the experience as exciting and new, particularly because they had the opportunity to operate the technology themselves.

Students try out different types of drones during the STEAM summer camp.

Khadka said the students' enthusiasm reinforced the value of learning by doing, especially as the week introduced them to technologies and applications they had not previously explored. Over seven days, students moved from GIS, drones, robotics and data science to conversations with a NASA professional, visits to research and educational institutions, and sessions focused on college and career preparation.

"It was a full schedule, but the students loved it," Khadka said. "So much of it was really new for them."

To learn how to apply for next year's summer camp, contact John Yang at [email protected] and Saaruj Khadka at [email protected].

Photos by Lynne Holsapple. View full album here.