TCC hosts summer camp promoting sustainability for students

TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Community College hosted a summer camp that gives middle school and high school students hands-on experience with sustainable energy.

FOX23 attended the first day of camp to hear from students and find out why they decided to apply.

Day one of TCC's week-long STEM Academy summer program kicked off on Monday morning.

Students from all across the state were there to get hands-on learning with engineering.

Teens used pipe cleaners, marshmallows and popsicle sticks to engineer a tower.

FOX23 spoke with Bennett Burch who came here from Duncan about why she chose this program.

"I applied for it because I'm really into sustainability and sustainable energy. I want to be an environmental engineer when I get older, so it sounded interesting,” Burch said.

Aedan Pavey, who attends East Central Middle School, said the experience goes beyond the classroom.

"I plan to do my best. It's only been about 24 hours and I've learned a lot of stuff that can benefit me in not only my academic career and future careers, but also in cooperation with other human beings," Pavey said/

This program is more than just learning about STEM.

TCC Dean of Mathematics and Engineering Sheila Youngblood said it's more about giving the kids an opportunity to find their purpose.

"Bringing these kids in, giving them the chance to sort of play, tinker, do the things that they get to do is amazing, but it's more than that. It's also this beautiful opportunity to get them to campus, to get them to walk around campuses and to get to feel comfortable and know that they're capable of," Youngblood said.

These future engineers will spend the rest of the week exploring more about the science behind sustainable energy, including wind turbines, drones and more.

At the end of the week, students will showcase what they've learned and awards will be handed out for best in show and camp MVP.

Youngblood said the real trophy is the students seeing themselves as worthy.

"Whether they choose STEM, or whether they don't. Whether they choose college, or they don't. They're going to see a pathway that they may not have seen otherwise. Through these experiences, it's going to change what they're own personal vision is and where they end up," Youngblood said.

If your child is interested in TCC’s summer academy programs, registration opens next spring.

To learn more about their summer programs, click here .