STEMpact Camp

Fairmont State University’s College of Science and Technology (CoST) is hosting a four-day, four-night Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) summer camp for rising ninth and tenth graders from across the state. The camp is called STEMpact, which implies both impact through STEM and impact by STEM. The aim of STEMpact is to help students see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians with meaningful STEM career opportunities for themselves in North Central West Virginia. Fairmont State plans to achieve this purpose through a blend of high-quality instruction from the University’s expert professors, near-peer mentoring from current Fairmont State STEM students, immersive activities to improve regional job awareness, and community-building events.

Unlike some summer STEM programs that emphasize a single discipline, this camp will expose students to multiple areas of STEM each day through hands-on classes in mathematics, science, engineering, and computer science. During the day, faculty instructors will highlight cross-curricular connections and demonstrate how STEM disciplines work together to address real-world problems. Evening activities will include a program with regional employers to allow participants to explore STEM career pathways further and interact informally with professionals. Students will also take part in artistic workshops (e.g., pottery) led by the Department of Architecture, Art, and Design. Additional recreational activities such as bowling and hiking will provide relaxed, enjoyable settings for peer bonding. The camp will conclude with a celebratory banquet for students, their families, and project personnel, where each participant will be formally recognized with a certificate of completion, highlighting their achievements and celebrating their participation in STEMpact.