The transition from the summer months to back-to-school season will be slightly less noticeable, as Estrella Mountain Community College's campus stayed busy during the "slow" season. As this summer comes to a close, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a Maricopa Community College, reflects on the numerous summer activities that took place on campus.
Media Arts Camp
Eight students participated in this year's Media Arts Camp. During the course of four weeks, students worked with a local client to create a digital art piece that the client will later used as a marketing tool for their business. The students who participated received five college credits. The college partnered with the Agua Fria, Tolleson and Dysart Unified High School Districts.
Culinary Camp
More than 65 students applied to this year's Culinary Camp and 36 students from 20 high schools around the valley were selected to participate. During the two-week sessions, students earned two credits in the food and nutrition program area. Western Tech Prep Consortium continues to fund the program for enrolled students. This partnership and program continues to receive accolades from all involved.
Teen Law Enforcement Training Academy
Forty students participated in this year's Teen Law Enforcement Academy, in partnership with the Goodyear Police Department. This is a two-week, non-credit program. Students were introduced to several areas of law enforcement which includes K-9, weapons, investigations, DUI and traffic, CPR, high-risk stops, and crime scenarios.
Mars Academy
Thirteen students, including elementary-level students, attended the ACE (Achieving a College Education) Mars Academy. During the four-day academy, students were exposed to many hands-on activities that enhance their knowledge in science and peak their interest in the planet mars. Students researched topics delegated to them by Estrella Mountain Mathematics Faculty Member, Natalie Rivera, and culminated their projects by presenting them to parents and family members.
Building Structures
Twenty-eight students, grades 7-8, attended ACE Building Structures, a four day camp. Students were placed in groups of four and were given different structures/bridges to complete with various materials. After each project was completed, the students competed against other teams and were judged according to structure length and appearance, volume, drivability, surface rollability, and mass. The participants were also exposed to math and engineering speakers during the program. A closing ceremony was held where parents had the opportunity to see the work the students had accomplished during the camp.
Lego Robots
Forty-two students took this math course during a five-week time period on campus. During this camp, students were placed in teams and given different Lego robotic projects. The purpose of the camp was to get students interested in science and technology while being introduced to applied physics and various mathematics concepts, as well as problem solving and time management activities. At the end of the camp, students competed and showcased their projects.
Hoop of Learning
Four students attended this Native American program. ACE high school students had the opportunity to interact with the Hoop of Learning students and share cultural information.
ACE Capstone Leadership Project
This project is a team-based project that involved created a digital story based on the specific needs of Lockheed Martin. The interdisciplinary camp promotes student awareness of the roles of communication, teaming, leadership, and technology play in today's work environment, while learning about the high-tech corporation. The program also initiated integrated learning by broadening the experience of students studying math, science, engineering, and technology beyond the focus of traditional technical disciplines, while promoting creativity and fostering student awareness and appreciation for collaboration with specialists in various fields related to science through the art of storytelling.
Summer Recruitment Scholarship
Estrella Mountain Community College offers a Summer Recruitment Scholarship to provide the opportunity for recent high school graduates to experience a college campus while taking a class during the summer. All participants go through the enrollment process and are required to complete a comprehensive summer orientation. The orientations are designed for students to learn about the tools and resources available to help them be successful college students.
Summer programs are open various age groups and educational levels. For more information about summer camps available at the college next year, please contact Laura Dulgar, director of college recruitment and outreach, at 623-935-8315.