UCF Offering Multiple STEM Summer Camps for High School Students

UCF’s Summer Institute will host summer camps for students interested in pursuing STEM Careers.

The Summer Institute: Cryptography

The Summer Institute: Cryptography, is an intensive three-week program for gifted and high-achieving students who have an interest in learning the foundations of computer sciences and computer technology. The program offers a mix of activities designed to maximize learning through hands-on, individualized instruction with outstanding instructors. It is also designed to expose students to broader topics in computer science through the distinguished lecture series where researchers speak about computing from pragmatic and academic points of view.

Although focused on computer science instruction, the program also provides fun activities varying from special programs, speakers, and field trips, allowing students to enjoy UCF’s exceptional recreational facilities and the Greater Orlando area. One of the most important benefits to the participants is the opportunity to interact with like-minded peers who share similar interests and talents, and to make lifelong friendships.

The Summer Institute: Cryptography begins July 7, 2014 and ends July 25, 2014.

Early application ends April 25, 2014. These will be given first consideration. All applications must be received by May 23, 2014. To apply, click here. Fill out forms A, B and C. Applicants must have a school recommendation and a computer science and mathematics teacher recommendation. Read the section on how to apply for further instruction.

The cost of the camp is $995, which includes tuition, books, programming competition, field trips, thumb drives, and the closing ceremony.

Applicants must currently be in grades 8-11 (minimum age 13) at the time of application and they must show interest in Computer Science and Mathematics. Algebra II (or equivalent) is the preferred mathematics prerequisite for the programming and computer science curriculum at SI @ UCF. Applicants will be selected based on a combination of their high school transcript, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores (PSAT, SAT or ACT). The successful applicant will have maintained a 3.0 average or above, will have shown strong performance in mathematics courses, and will have a strong recommendation from a mathematics teacher or guidance counselor. Note that prior knowledge of Computer Science is NOT a prerequisite. Only a very limited number of applicants (20) will be accepted.

UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science will host three sequential summer camps, called Camp Connect I, Camp Connect II and Camp Connect III.

Camp Connect I, Camp Connect II and Camp Connect III are for students from under-represented communities (women, Hispanic, African American, Latino, American Indian/ Alaskan native) and they will be introduced to a variety of engineering disciplines — electrical, industrial, mechanical, civil, environmental, aerospace & computer science. This week-long summer program immerses students in engineering integrated activities and provides tips on how to prepare for college and networking.

Camp Connect I: Plant the Seed- New Campers- 8th -10th grade, week-long STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program

Who: First year campers in 8th- 10th grade from under-represented communities (woman, Hispanic, African American, Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Indian)

When: July 14, 2014 – July 18, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Harris Engineering Corporation (HEC) 101 on the UCF main campus

Camp Connect I costs $175 per student per week.

This includes meals and afternoon snacks, materials for all activities, t-shirt to be worn daily and a backpack.

Online registration opened April 7, 2014 and will close when the program reaches capacity at 25 students. 

Camp Connect II: Get Rooted and Camp Connect III: The “E” in STEM for Returning Campers

Graduates of Camp Connect I may be invited to attend a more in-depth Camp Connect II through special invitations. This is a deeper hands- on experience where campers are engaged in projects, working with professional engineers, and local lab tours.

Graduates of Camp Connect  II are invited to attend Camp Connect III.

Camp Connect II and III costs $175 a person for the week. This includes meals and afternoon snacks, materials for all activities, t-shirt to be worn daily and a backpack.

Invitations will be sent April 11. Camp Connect II begins July 21, 2014.

For more information on Camp Connect and to register, click here.