JROTC students sharpen science, tech, engineering, math skills

For the third consecutive year, the JROTC Program in the San Diego Unified School District has partnered with the College of Engineering at San Diego State University to offer 55 cadets the opportunity to attend the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Camp this summer. The concept of the program was a fully-funded, five-day residential experience on the SDSU campus from July 30-Aug 3.

The STEM camp was a great success as students were introduced to the rigor of engineering, bio-medical, robotics and bio-tech curricula. Hands-on experiments included building of programmable robotic devices, studying the functions and dissection of a heart and bridge design and testing. The cadets also had to opportunity to brief Cindy Marten, San Diego Unified Superintendent, on the STEM camp and the district JROTC program.

Throughout the week, cadets were housed in a university dorm with all meals provided and gain an excellent understanding of campus life. They were also given a campus tour and a personalized admissions briefing. This program was initiated through the support of Dr. Bruce Westermo, Associate Dean in the College of Engineering at San Diego State University and LTC David Guzman, the district JROTC Program Manager.