Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Receives Funding from Verizon to Expand iTEAMS Summer Camp
June 7, 2012
Verizon Foundation’s $10,000 Grant Will Support Mobile App Development Project
HARTSVILLE, SC – June 7, 2012 – The Verizon Foundation awarded the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science andMathematics (GSSM) $10,000 to support the School’s summer campexperience, Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Among MiddleSchoolers (iTEAMS). Serving rising 8th and 9th graders in select S.C.counties, iTEAMS offers middle and high school students unmatchedopportunities for fun and interactive technology-based learning.
The camp features a team project that allows students to design apps formobile devices. Other camp components include creating video games andlearning the ins and outs of cyber security. Along with its support ofiTEAMS, the Verizon Foundation also offers GSSM resources throughThinkfinity.org, an award-winning educational website offering free,engaging resources for teachers and students.
We are grateful to the Verizon Foundation, said Dr. Murray Brockman,GSSM President. This grant allows us to expand our iTEAMS program,provide more opportunities for young students to explore interests inSTEM subjects, and offer enriching learning experiences featuring mobiletechnology.
GSSM is a public, residential high school for academically motivated11th and 12th graders from across South Carolina. The School launchediTEAMS in June 2009 in an effort to extend its reach to more PalmettoState students, exposing them to novel opportunities. iTEAMS teachesstudents skills in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship through ahands-on, team-based curriculum. The four-day camp includes a mentorprogram and provides students with career exploration opportunitiesthrough comprehensive technology discussions.
We’re proud to support this program as it builds long-term value forour community, said, Jerry Fountain, regional president of VerizonWireless. Mobile technology is especially engaging to students. Ifused consistently, it can increase student success and interest in STEMsubjects.
Many studies have shown that minorities, women and low-income studentsare underrepresented in the scientific and technical disciplines – aSTEM gap. Over the past 10 years, STEM jobs grew three times fasterthan non-STEM jobs. To read more about Verizon’s work and interest inSTEM education, click here or visit http://bit.ly/HnTWaz.
About iTEAMS
iTEAMS campers attend free of charge and can choose from three fun andchallenging courses during their time at iTEAMS: Creating Video Games,Creating Mobile Apps and Creating Cyber Security. Participants are ledby well-qualified math and technology instructors from South Carolinaschools, and are selected based on personal essays, teacherrecommendations and interest in computer science, technology andentrepreneurship. Learn more and access the online application at www.scgssm.org/iteams.
For more information on the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics, please visit www.scgssm.org.
