University at Buffalo (UB)
Local teens learn about STEM careers through BEAM summer programs
Students created a miniature golf course during the BEAM summer camp.
Published September 1, 2015 This content is archived.
Seventy-two teenagers from Western New York took part in this year’s BEAM summer programs. The students, all entering grades 8-12, spent the summer engaged in a variety of activities, including hands-on engineering projects and classes designed to build skill levels in STEM areas, as well as learning about careers in engineering and technical fields from a variety of guest speakers.
Students visited MOOG, National Grid, Buffalo Manufacturing Works and Cannon Design on weekly field trips, where they had the opportunity to tour the facilities, talk with employees, and see first-hand what it’s like to work in an engineering environment.
Camps were based at Daemen College, Buffalo State College, Canisius College, and the University at Buffalo. In addition, the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) hosted a camp exclusively for girls. The camps were held July 6-August 7, 2015.
Girls camp participants had lunch and a panel discussion with female engineers. UB professor Ning Dai (far right), UB alums Lauren Blas and Regina Harris, and civil engineering graduate student Lauren Glose pose for a group photo with the campers.
The students visited a Kenmore Ave construction site, where they gained an understanding of careers in civil and transportation engineering. The field trip was hosted by KHEOPS Architecture, Engineering & Survey, DPC.
Participants in the BEAM summer camp located at Buffalo State College pose for a group photo.
About BEAM
BEAM (Buffalo-area Engineering Awareness for Minorities) is a cooperative educational enrichment program that prepares inner city, minority, female and other under-represented students for careers in science, engineering, and technology. It was founded in 1982 by a consortium of the UB School of Engineering, Linde-Union Carbide (now Praxair, Inc.), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Buffalo Public Schools.
Funding today is made possible through the generous support of companies, educational institutions, community organizations and individuals.