AWARD YEAR: 2022

CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY

DIRECTOR: TIMOTHY MARKS

PROJECT TITLE: ACADEMY FOR EMERGING SCHOLARS EXPLORING CLINICAL RESEARCH AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE CAREERS

The proposed Campbell University Academy for Emerging Scholars Exploring Clinical Research and Pharmaceutical Science Careers (AES) is designed to provide exploratory activities for rural high school students to learn STEM skills and build awareness of STEM-related career options in the engineering and life sciences sector.

The AES has three major components: (1) high school visitations, (2) in-person and virtual workshops, and (3) a summer STEM camp. For each program year, the AES will reach out and engage high schools in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties such as Harnett, Cumberland, Hoke, Lee, and Sampson Counties. The program will run for three years with annual reviews and modifications, as necessary.

High school visitations will involve an interactive STEM presentation followed by a hands-on activity that is appropriate for a high school classroom. With a goal of visiting 8 high schools each program year, it is anticipated that 800 to 1,000 high school students will have the opportunity to experience this component of the AES Program on an annual basis. The three-year program target is 2,400 to 3,000 students.

Between January and May of each program year, five (5) workshops will be conducted in two concurrent formats: in-person workshops for up to 36 students on the campus of Campbell University and virtual workshops for up to 50 students utilizing the Learning Management System of Campbell University. The virtual platform will also serve as the backup alternative for in-person events if modifications are required secondary to COVID-19. The workshops will consist of STEM curriculum-aligned seminars, hands-on projects, and computer-based laboratory simulations. Each workshop will also include a career-guidance seminar.

Students who attend at least 4 of 5 workshops will be invited to apply for a week-long residential summer camp in July on the campus of Campbell University. Up to 18 high school students will be selected by a blinded panel at Campbell University to participate. The residential summer camp will feature in-depth investigative activities and team building exercises, and inquiry-based learning as well as an industry field trip to stimulate student enthusiasm for STEM and increase awareness of STEM career options.

< Back to Grant Recipients