A grant by Raytheon Company to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) will help support the university's efforts to connect middle school girls with engineering education.
The $7,000 gift is in support of Camp Reach, an award-winning summer residential program for girls in Massachusetts who are entering 7th grade and who are interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. The goal of Camp Reach is to generate interest in engineering and technology and to enhance self-confidence and motivation toward education. Thirty girls from Massachusetts participate annually in the two-week residential program. Camp Reach includes hands-on workshops, a design project for a community organization, field trips, recreational activities, and follow-up programs during the academic year.
"WPI and Camp Reach are grateful for the support Raytheon continues to provide to Camp Reach," said Sue Sontgerath, Camp Reach director. "Raytheon understands the critical need for a diverse technical and scientific workforce and recognizes that programs like Camp Reach are one of the methods for encouraging students to begin exploring careers in science, technology and engineering."
Raytheon's commitment to fostering excellence in math and science education is demonstrated through the company's MathMovesU program, which is designed to inspire middle school students to get excited about math and science.
Camp Reach, one of several WPI K-12 programs aimed at math and science education for girls, was founded in 1997 by professors Chrys Demetry and the late Denise Nicoletti. Initial funding was provided by a grant from the National Science Foundation, Model Projects for Women and Girls. For more information on the program, visit www.wpi.edu/academics/k12/campreach/index.html.
Photo Caption: Attending the Raytheon check presentation to WPI's Camp Reach were (from left to right): Lori Glover, WPI Assistant Vice President for Corporate Engagement and Summer Programs; Chrys Demetry, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials; Sue Sontgerath, Program Manager for K-12 Outreach, Kierstan Bell, Raytheon Software Engineer; Jim McGinley '06, Raytheon Electrical Engineer; and Kelly Head '07, Raytheon Mechanical Engineer.
