Boys Innovation Academy Inspires Leadership, Innovation and Careers
SALISBURY, MD---This summer, 久久国产精品久久’s Center for Extended and Lifelong Learning (CELL) launched its first Boys Innovation Academy (BIA) to connect middle school-age boys with opportunities to learn about leadership, innovation, education, and careers.
CELL’s Youth Innovation Academy (YIA) series started in 2015 with an Engineering Information Foundation grant for a girls-only computer programming initiative. Now the YIA has expanded into an initiative tailored to all middle schoolers to enhance their competence and confidence in innovation and leadership.
Some 21 boys age 10-14 attended the inaugural BIA session from July 8-12 with the theme “Mix It Up: Cool Careers and Music Technology.”
The morning sessions on “Cool Careers,” led by Dr. Chrys Egan, SU communication arts professor and co-director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, showcased interesting future-facing career options, plus the education and training needed to get there.
The boys toured SU’s Richard A. Henson Medical Simulation Center with its director, Dr. Lisa Seldomridge, to view life-like simulated patient manikins while learning about the diverse career areas in healthcare and technology.
The students then considered emerging career areas in solar technology and drone utilization with Brian Waller, SU environmental health and safety assistant, who is also is a licensed drone pilot.
Next, the boys toured SU’s Eastern Shore Regional GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Cooperative (ESRGC) to check out different work stations with real-life projects involving maps, climate, flooding, emergency response, city planning and more.
BIA students got creative in SU’s state-of-the art television studios by filming their own talk show, facilitated by Dr. Aaron Gurlly, assistant professor of communication arts, and Michael Camillo, multimedia technician.
The boys explored SU’s high-tech Guerrieri Academic Commons, focusing on information technology with Kevin Malone, Help Desk manger, and 3-D printing in the Maker Lab with Christopher Woodall, technology librarian.
Students rounded out the experience learning about entrepreneurship with Bill Burke, SU executive director for economic development and information and decision sciences professor of practice, and engaging in inclusion activities with Annette Johnson, SU diversity and inclusion specialist.
Afternoons featured music technology with Ted Nichols, SU adjunct music faculty, using Digital Audio Workstation and Audacity for recording, editing and producing audio files. With music technology and musical theory, students employed team building and leadership.
The final showcase for families included a drum circle, during which boys performed an original composition and taught family members how to play.
The YIA is a collaborative, supportive and creative environment in which participants explore science, technology, environment, civic engagement, communication and arts. Students are encouraged to uncover their potential, prepare for higher education and discover unexplored career paths.
For more information call CELL at 410-543-6090, email or visit the YIA website.