AIKEN, S.C. -- Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic is hosting its annual Aiken Innovation, Design and Educational Activities (IDEAs) STEM Camp from July 13-17 in Aiken, South Carolina. 

“These collaborative, low-pressure opportunities are designed to inspire students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields through hands-on creativity, teamwork, and problem solving,” said Marcus Schoultz, NIWC Atlantic STEM Events Lead. “The IDEAs STEM Camp ecosystem is designed to provide experiences that are intentionally aligned to spark curiosity at a young age, deepen understanding during high school, and connect high school and college students directly to industry and mission-driven careers.”  

NIWC Atlantic is partnering with Savanah River National Laboratory (SRNL), University of South Carolina Aiken, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, Second Baptist Church of Aiken, and True To Your SOLE/Sky Is The Limit Foundation to offer these camp programs for elementary, middle and high school students, alongside the Workforce Connection STEM Industry Day for high school and college students.

For third- through eighth-grade students, the Aiken IDEAs STEM Camp provides the foundation for the ecosystem roadmap, which is the first step in the STEM pipeline. It is designed to build confidence through hands-on, age-appropriate STEM activities. This camp will be located at Second Baptist Church of Aiken, 1151 York Street, Aiken, South Carolina, from 8:30 to 3:00 p.m. It is free to attend, but registration is required.

High school-aged students will take part in the career awareness phase, which is the second part of the STEM pipeline, that shifts students from educational exploration to career preparation. Participants will learn about the vast STEM career opportunities from real-world STEM experts such as computer scientists and engineers. It will be held at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, 427 Scholar Loop, Aiken, South Carolina, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $75 and registration is required.

The Workforce Connection STEM Industry Day connects high school and college students directly with professionals from industry, government, national laboratories, and academia, which is the third and final phase in the STEM pipeline. Students gain real-world exposure to STEM careers, professional expectations, and mission-driven work environments through interactive demonstrations and conversations with industry leaders. The event will take place at SRNL’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, 4345 Trolley Line Road, Aiken, South Carolina, July 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is free with limited slots available, but registration is required.

Register for all three camps by July 13 at https://niwccamps.stemrocks.net/.