Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT), in collaboration with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA-Public Safety Division), Federated Dorchester Neighborhood Association, and the eastern zone Boston pubic elementary schools is developing a model program, the Summer/Winter Camp in Applied Technology. The purpose of the program is to stimulate the curiosity and interest of elementary school age (grade 3 and 4) minority students in mathematics, science and technology. Studies have shown that the time to influence young people's career choices is in elementary school. WIT is conducting a program that demonstrates the practical application of mathematics and science by clarifying the part these subjects play in preparing for careers in applied technology. The camp curriculum encourages hand-on participation through laboratory projects in manufacturing technology, computer science, mechanical engineering and civil engineering/building construction. The underlying theme of the camp curriculum is how things break, how things work, how things are built , and how people solve problems. The curriculum is based on the mathematics and science objectives of the targeted school district. The technical components of the camp are balanced by a sports program that enables students to learn about the importance of good health, positive release of stress and team efforts. The pilot for this program was held during July 1991, and was funded by the Massachusetts Board of Regents under the Eisenhower Program as well as the Alfred P. Sloane Foundation and local Boston industry.//
