 |
| Photo contributed by MSSM staff Summer camp participants receive hands-on experience to further their interest in math, science, technology and engineering courses at MSSM; shown above, campers participate in an animal medicine course. |
LIMESTONE — Twenty-two girls will have the opportunity to create unique summertime stories at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics’ STEM summer camp that’s designed to challenge young minds and develop student interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, thanks to a grant through Time Warner Cable.
Recently, officials with MSSM were excited to announce a $6,000 grant from Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds initiative which enabled 22 scholarships for young ladies to attend the summer camp, now in its 15th year.
MSSM summer camp encourages youths in grades 5-9 to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Academic classes traditionally offered include robotics challenge, physics of ballistics, rocketry design, animal medicine, mathematical origami, and real life CSI.
“As a company founded on innovation, we share a commitment with MSSM to inspiring students to become the scientists, innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow,” said Paul S. Schonewolf, Time Warner Cable’s area vice president of operations. “Studies show that woman are underrepresented in technology fields in the workforce; we place a high premium on the diversity of our employees,” Schonewolf added. “By offering these scholarships to girls to attend MSSM’s summer camp we hope to encourage more young women to pursue non-traditional career paths in science and technology and become the TWC innovators of the future.”
With over 1,000 employees in Maine, Time Warner Cable is the Pine Tree State’s largest provider of cable TV, broadband and digital phone services.
“We are grateful to Time Warner Cable for making it possible to offer this exciting opportunity to deserving girls to experience the wonders of summer camp,” said Lisa Smith, MSSM Summer Camp director. “The hope is that this experience will inspire girls to pursue their passions and interests in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics for many years to come.”
The value of MSSM’s teaching is recognized all the way down in Augusta, and beyond.
“The STEM summer camp is a tremendous experience for girls from across the state of Maine,” said state Rep. Bernard Ayotte of Caswell. “On behalf of our great state, I want to thank Time Warner Cable for their commitment to increasing girls’ access to STEM education in Maine.”
All 22 scholarships have been awarded to deserving girls from the towns of Augusta, Kennebunk, Monmouth, Augusta, Princeton, Lewiston, Vassalboro, Abbot, Fayette, Casco, Chelsea, Vienna, Lewiston, Rockland, Randolph, Skowhegan, Portland, Naples, Hermon, Machiasport and Raymond.
School officials said that through the MSSM summer outreach programs, students develop the skills to be life-long learners and leaders. When not in class, a variety of recreational activities are offered, enhancing the summer camp atmosphere.
Additional information about Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds initiative can be obtained by visiting www.connectamillionminds.com.
For more information about summer camp at MSSM, please visit www.mssm.org/outreach/summer_camps/.
