JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A cooperative venture continues to assist area students as they learn more about how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can open career doors right here in Ashtabula County.
The program got rolling through the joint efforts of area government, business and education leaders.
“The commissioners led the effort,” A-Tech Superintendent Scott Wludyga said.
He said the program includes leadership and assistance from Ashtabula County Department of Job and Family Services, A-Tech, Country Neighbor and area businesses and other organizations.
“We wanted to provide more experiences for students to expand careers in STEM in Ashtabula County,” Wludyga said.
The camps take place at A-Tech, with multiple field trips to area operations each of the camp’s three weeks. Some of the destinations include Huntsman Advanced Materials, French’s Concrete, Lake City Plating, Zehrco-Giancola Composites Inc. Riceland Meadows, Ohio State University’s Grape Research Station and Bissell’s Maple Syrup Farm.
The core students are upcoming fifth and sixth graders, with options for seventh and eighth graders as well.
Wludyga said a lot of the companies work regularly with A-Tech to help the school know what manufacturers’ needs are for potential employees.
“We’ve had some campers who have been here four years,” Wludyga said.
Kennedy Shean, an upcoming sixth grader at Cork Elementary School, said he participated last year and enjoyed the program.
“I learned a lot of stuff,” he said
Scarlett Jarvis, an upcoming sixth grader at Geneva Middle School, said she participated last year in another camp, but was interested in the Robotics Week camp this year.
“My brother did this last year and I saw the cool things he did, [and] he made a robot that attacked me and I want go get back at him,” she said.
Kayla Mook, the lead counselor for all three weeks, said she enjoys working with the kids, who make all the planning worthwhile.
Ashtabula County Commissioner Kathryn Whittington has long been a part of the event’s development, and helps give out awards at the conclusion of the week-long camps.
“The camps have been an incredible opportunity to invest in our youth and their futures,” she said. “With hands-on experiences in welding, electricity, plumbing, robotics and agriculture and more, students entering grades five through eight got a taste of real-world technology and trades.”
“Seeing the excitement on students’ faces as they talked about their projects, future careers, and shared their accomplishments with family during celebration lunches made all the planning worthwhile. These camps not only sparked curiosity but also empowered the next generation of innovators.”
The students are treated to daily lunches through Country Neighbor and have a special lunch on the last day of each camp. Awards are also presented to the students. Campers also get to work on projects during the afternoons of each camp.