Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a Maricopa Community College, hosted more than 250 students during a variety of summer camps this year.
Culinary Camp
More than 15 local high schools were represented by 34 students who participated in this year's Culinary Camp. Students earned two college credits in the food and nutrition program area during the two-week sessions. The program is designed for high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in food service.
Teen Law Enforcement Academy
During this two-week, non-credit program sponsored by the Goodyear Police Department, 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.
Summer Reading Camp
Estrella Mountain Community College and St. Peter's Episcopal Church partnered to offer Summer Reading Camp, a program that helped 16 Lattie Coor Elementary School third-graders improve their reading skills. Estrella Mountain teaching students gained hands-on experience by teaching those skills to the students. Upon completion of the program, the third-graders earned a certificate from the college.
Gallery 37
Ten students from six area high schools were selected to participate in the West Valley Art Council's signature youth arts employment program, Gallery 37. The program apprentices 15 to 18 year-old students with professional artists in order to design, develop and install a permanent piece of public art for display in the West Valley. This year, students created a sculpture for a city park in El Mirage. Students earn five college credits upon completion of the six-week program.
Jr. ACE Mars Academy
Eleven elementary school students attended the Jr. ACE (Achieving a College Education) Mars Academy. During he 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 conducted research and presented their final projects to friends and family during a closing ceremony.
Jr. ACE Physics
This four-week program earns participants three college credits while they learn basic math and physics skills. Twenty-two junior high school students were able to design and launch model rockets using the skills they obtained during the camp this year.
ACE Scholars Program
The Maricopa ACE Scholars Program is a nationally recognized scholarship program that targets high school sophomores and assists them in making the transition from high school, through the community college, and on to the university system. The ACE Scholars Program at EMCC hosted 169 students who were specifically interested in Math, Science, Technology, and Engineering.
Hoop of Learning
The Hoop of Learning program is a high school bridge program designed to foster cultural resilience and career development among Native American students. Twelve high school students participated in Hoop of Learning this year.Summer programs are open to 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.