WCSU Offers Summer STEAM Program

From Western Connecticut State University:

DANBURY, CONN. — For two weeks this summer, area high school students will have an opportunity to take a college course at Western Connecticut State University.

From Aug. 1 through 12, a minimum of 40 high school juniors and seniors will participate in Summer STEAM, choosing to take one of four courses offered in biology, history, communication and sociology. Classroom size will be capped at 15 students.

The cost of the program is $1,011.80, which includes tuition and fees for one 3-credit course, lunch and snacks. There is limited scholarship assistance available. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. Students will have full access to WCSU’s library and computer facilities.

The acronym for the program is a play on “STEM” and stands for Science Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. What this means is that in addition to earning three college credits, students will also learn about college life through STEAM’s enrichment component. The program will also include a guest speaker on engineering.

“It’s a real college experience,” said WCSU Professor of History Dr. Jennifer Duffy, adding that the program encompasses more than earning college credit. She said it teaches them what they need to know to succeed in college.

Enrichment will include understanding financial aid, applying to colleges, and learning effective research and library skills. A subtheme of the program is creating pathways for tomorrow’s leaders.

“It’s also about making students excited about fitting into this environment, and to realize that they have more options than they thought,” said WCSU Professor of History and Summer STEAM coordinator Dr. Marcy May.

Any area high school student entering his or her junior or senior year in the fall is welcome to apply. Students must have a B average or better and, in addition to the application, must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher. The deadline to apply May 1; if the program is not to capacity, applications may be accepted after that date.

For more information, please call (203) 837-8484 or visit wcsu.edu/steam.