The Advancing Women in Automation, Robotics, and Engineering (AWARE) Summer Camp targets girls ages 10 to 14 (5th through 8th graders). For one week, these girls come to this campus to learn about automation, robotics, and engineering through a variety of group discussions, teachings, industry speakers, hands-on laboratory activities, and competitions. Camp participants take field trips to regional industries and a local university, emphasizing the cooperative roles for industry and education in advancing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Previous research shows a need to start recruiting women at an early age to enter into a typically male-dominated, non-traditional career. A marketing campaign, in collaboration with regional school systems, is being launched in order to increase female participation in these fields. A mentoring program developed during summer camp is continued throughout the school year among participants and mentors. The project enhances the partnerships among regional educational institutions and industry. It improves diversity in STEM-related fields by promoting and advancing the interests of girls and women in robotics, automation, and engineering. The results of the summer camp, as well as the results from the marketing campaign, are disseminated via workshops, conferences, publications, and websites to other community colleges, high schools, and middle schools.
How do young women become aware of the importance, excitement, and financial advantages of pursuing a career in STEM fields? They attend an A.W.A.R.E. Summer Camp (Advancing Women in Automation, Robotics, and Engineering). This one week experience at Pitt Community College in Greenville, NC, combines hands-on activities, team building, working in small groups, and building & manipulating robotic devices. To quote one attendee, "WOW! Engineering has 87 different career options!" Parents were equally impressed noting that STEM careers are exciting and represent stable careers that have long term financial benefits for their daughters. Surveys revealed that the camp led girls to consider high wage, high technology careers. Surrounded by other girls, feminine-based activities, and feminine mentoring resulted in feelings of acceptance and self-confidence in STEM disciplines. In addition, the A.W.A.R.E. camp created a pipeline for engineering and technology-related fields for women in eastern North Carolina. The camp raised awareness in middle schools that: 1. Pitt Community College and East Carolina University have technology curricula. Girls are welcome in these programs. 2. Electronics, robotics and automation fields are not too hard for girls and they can be exciting. 3. Being smart and working in technology is acceptable for women. Action steps resulting from recommendations included: 1. Hosting Lego NXT Mindstorm Competition Events in Pitt County to raise awareness of careers in technology 2. Providing students of the Pitt Community College Electronics Engineering Technology program the opportunity to teach concepts they learned while enrolled in PCC’s program. This camp was made possible by the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant funded project that was initiated by the Pitt Community College (PCC) Electronics Engineering Technology program along with a partnership with East Carolina University and local industries. A.W.A.R.E. Camp Staff included instructors, mentors, and industry professionals. Participants also interacted with women in industry during activities such as Robot Building, Group Discussions, and Team Building Exercises. Perhaps, most influential were the six camp counselors, who assisted the campers in Picocricket Programming, SnapKit Circuit Building, Robotic Games, and Programming an Industry Robot. Erica, a returning counselor, is a 2011 Pitt Community College graduate with an AAS in Architectural Technology. She is planning on pursuing her Bachelor's of Science degree in Construction Management at East Carolina University. Upon completion of her BS from ECU, Erica then has plans a move to Charlotte, NC for a career or possibly continuing her education at UNC-Charlotte in Civil Engineering. Iesha will graduate this year with an AAS in Electronics Engineering Technology. She has furthered her education at PCC by earning her Computer Technology Certificate and Automation/Robotics Certificate. Upon graduation from Pitt Community College, Iesha plans on working as a Biomedical Technician in a hospital where she will repair hospital equipment ranging from heart monitors to x-ray machines. Synora is a Junior Bio-Process student enrolled at East Carolina University. Synora was chosen to participate in the Armed Forces' Student Environmental Trainee Engineering internship program at Fort Bragg. She has always dreamed of being an engineer and plans to pursue a Master's Degree in the future and hopes to work with an on-base Engineering Division someday. Sara is a first year student in the Architectural Technology Program at Pitt Community College. Sara has shown an interest in structures since her childhood years and chose to currently pursue her education at PCC followed by applying to North Carolina State University. Through her education, she has found a passion for building design and functionality. She aspires to practice as an architect someday. Kristin is currently enrolled at East Carolina University studying Engineering as an E3NC Scholar. Kristin participated on the winning high school team in the regional and state levels of the 2011 NCDOT Model Bridge Building Competition. She has also participated in summer engineering camps at ECU, such as Summer Ventures and ITEST. Sarah is currently a rising junior at ECU pursuing an engineering degree with a concentration in biomedical engineering. Sarah currently serves as a camp counselor for Summer Ventures hosted at ECU as well as working on undergraduate research at the university. She plans to begin working in the biomedical engineering field after graduating, as well as possibly attending graduate school to further her career in biomedical engineering. During the camp, girls toured local industries that utilized the technologies and skills of Automation, Robotics, & Engineering. Participants also had exposure to the Speaker Series thus hearing from industry professionals. The speakers discussed their role in the industry, their education, inspiration, and personal experiences. These women also discussed STEM careers and answered questions from participants. Upon completion of A.W.A.R.E. Camp, a celebration showcased the participants’ accomplishments. Friends and family were invited to attend. To date there have been three A.W.A.R.E. camps.
