This year the Schools Fund partnered with BUSD’s Career Technical Education program to offer 4 weeks of Berkeley Maker Camp, a summer camp for 150 rising 7th, 8th and 9th graders. The camps were funded by BUSD and by Wareham Development through generous donations to the Schools Fund.
Students received an introduction to the CTE subjects they can pursue at Berkeley High for a hybrid college and career pathway.
The camps were offered to students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in STEM career fields. All students participated in two 2-week units of curriculum:
- Gaming and Stop Motion Animation at King
- Robotics & Engineering and The Magic of Making at Berkeley High
BUSD’s CTE program opens doors to college and career opportunities for students from populations historically underrepresented in STEM fields. CTE’s curriculum gives students career-connected skills while meeting the UC “A-G” entry requirements, broadening the choices for students between college and career. That’s why we work closely with CTE to help get the word out!
“Thank you so much for this opportunity that you offer to students at BUSD. I was looking and trying to find something for my son to keep him busy during this summer. He asked for STEM, but camps are really expensive and hard to afford. I just started working part time after the pandemic. I really want to thank you so much for giving kids this opportunity.”
-A Maker Camp parent
“I think this camp was really instrumental in encouraging my daughter to pursue STEM subjects, but there’s a need for further encouragement as these girls/minorities continue through the years of middle and high school.
-A Maker Camp parent