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June 27, 2019Capital Region BOCES to Host Free SEMI High Tech U for Students Interested in STEM
Capital Region BOCES will once again play host to the annual SEMI High Tech U program that draws students from across the region to a three-day program to prepare them for the possibility of careers in STEM.
From July 30 through Aug. 1, dozens of area students will practice critical thinking skills while learning about college-to-career pathways at three locations in the region — Tec-Smart/GLOBALFOUNDRIES in Malta, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the SUNY Poly College of Nanoscale Sciences.
Sponsored by the SEMI Foundation and business and education partners, SEMI High Tech U (HTU) exposes students to the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills through fun and interactive, hand-on activities that take place at high tech industry and university sites. Taught by industry volunteers, students learn in an atmosphere that fosters curiosity and encourages questions.
The camp serves as a gateway for curious students to careers in the high technology world. Students in past camps have explored everything from how solar power can be used to improve daily life in the developing world to the role of aerodynamics in flight.
2017 Semi High Tech U graduate Kristen Paravella, said the camp is extremely rewarding. The Troy High School student said that while technology is a huge focus of the week, a seemingly simple real world activity that she took part in was the most useful and informative for her.
“The biggest thing I got out of it was taking part in the mock (job) interview. I had never been I an interview before or done anything like that so taking part in an interview and gaining that experience will help me tremendously when I go to work or try to get a job,” she said.
“This type of program, which reinforces students’ knowledge of STEM while also expanding it, is pivotal to the growth of the region and the country. Add to that the experiences students gain in every day, real world activities, and Semi High Tech U proves invaluable in what it offers students and the region as a whole,” said James Haas, who oversees the program for Capital Region BOCES.
The camp is free to students who participate. For more information, go to: https://www.capitalregionboces.org/semi-high-tech-u/
Anyone interested the camp should contact their home school district guidance counselor.
