STEM Education

Students Get Scholarships to Summer STEM Camps

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 06/23/20

Two companies are working together to help students in Washington, D.C. attend virtual technology camps. iD Tech, which runs STEM camps all over the country for young people, is getting support from Salesforce to launch "Coding Our Future," which will enable 150 low-income students in the district to participate in the camps. They'll take courses through Trailhead, Salesforce's online learning platform, on Java, C++, 3D game design, YouTube animation, Python and machine learning.

The goal, according to the two companies, is to expose underrepresented minorities to the world of STEM as a field of professional pursuit. The scholarship students will receive laptops and home internet access. The initiative will also get help from other organizations, including the Black Student Fund, Black Girls Code, DMV National Society of Black Engineers, Jr. chapter and Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science.

"All students should have access to a quality STEM education," said Pete Ingram-Cauchi, CEO of iD Tech, in a statement. "With the support of Salesforce, we are confident we can help give students the resources to explore a career in STEM, and help grow the talent pipeline for the industry."

"As we build the economy of the future, it is imperative we include the students of today," added Leah McGowen-Hare, the vice president in charge of the Trailblazer community and evangelism. "Salesforce is committed to partnering with organizations like iD Tech to empower students of all backgrounds to embark on meaningful careers in STEM."

The iD Tech Virtual Tech Camps program will take place July 27-August 14, 2020. Students in grades 5-12 are encouraged to apply here before Jun. 30, 2020.