August 28, 2024
Throughout the summer, the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) continued its commitment to significantly and positively impact science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Clay County, West Virginia, by offering dynamic STEM activities at a school-based summer camp at Clay County High School (CCHS).
The summerlong camps aimed to foster students aged 6-12 interest in STEM through hands-on experiences and innovative learning opportunities, including various activities designed to improve understanding of modern technology and its applications. In coding workshops, students learned programming fundamentals, such as writing code and creating simple software operations, a foundational skill crucial in today’s technology-driven world and opening the door to numerous career paths.
CMI2 continued its commitment and engagement with the drone program in Clay County by supporting drone exploration activities where students enjoyed hands-on experience with drone technology and learned about its uses in fields like agriculture, photography, and environmental monitoring. As part of the drone activity, students learned the basics of piloting small autonomous (unmanned) aerial vehicles safely while exploring real-world applications.
In addition to coding and drone activities, CMI2 brought two of its Spot (R) Boston Dynamic robotic mobile dogs, providing a unique insight into robotics, artificial intelligence, and other aspects of creativity among young students. Interested students had the opportunity to interact with this advanced robotic technology and interact, making the robotic dogs perform tasks and maneuver around obstacles.
What’s Next
CMI2 has renewed its commitment to STEM education and opportunity with Clay County Schools as the new school year begins. From mentorship support and engagement with Ms. Jessica Ramsey and the Clay County Middle School and High School Technology Student Association (TSA) to supporting Mrs. Beth Hubbard with the student drone competition teams, CMI2 continues its STEM focus.
Team members from the CMI2 Adaptive Experimentation Force at Fort Andrew in Lizemores and CMI2 Headquarters in Morgantown will continue to provide student support for the TSA program.
Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, the Clay County Middle School Drone Competition team was supported by CMI2 via its partnership with STARBASE, a congressionally authorized U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) civil-military program. STARBASE is 100% federally funded and managed by the West Virginia Military Authority and hosted by the West Virginia National Guard. Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, CMI2 and STARBASE will support Clay County Schools as the competition drone program is expanded to include CCHS students.
Bridging the Gap
CMI2’s involvement in STEM education and opportunities in Clay County is a crucial foundation for its commitment to providing access to state-of-the-art technology and expert mentorship.
The CMI2 ILLUME (I—Innovating. L—Learning. L—Leading. U—Uniting. M—Making. E—Experimenting.) program, launched in 2023, offers a platform for experimentation, development, and learning, empowering students with self-led projects, group workshops, and access to high-end professional equipment, design programs, and expendable materials.
In a press release announcing a Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation award for this effort, CMI2 founder Dr. Zenovy Wowczuk said this: “Connecting STEM-related curriculum with hands-on collaboration and partnership with subject matter experts holds a tremendous opportunity for our public education system. “We know the future is STEM, and if we can effect this significant mindset change, we will better engage students as we strengthen our position as a nation.”
The impact and importance of the recent summer camp opportunity were no exception to this original vision, as these camps extend beyond technical skills by inspiring students through exposure to STEM opportunities. CMI2 and Clay County High School are investing in the future of leaders and the problem-solvers of tomorrow by sowing a passion for innovation.
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Contributing Author: Earle Boggs, CMI2 Communications Specialist-In Training
