LEESVILLE, La--Central Louisiana students got the chance of a lifetime to further their education in Science, Technology, Math and Engineering, thanks to Central Louisiana Technical Community College.

High school students across Cenla participated in free summer camps promoting STEM subjects through the use of robots. Participants built, programmed and fought their robots against one another during the three-day summer camp.

Geralyn Janice, Campus Dean for CLTCC's Lamar Salter campus in Leesville, said the turnout at the summer camp on her campus was "exceptional." She said 26 local high school students from the surrounding schools in Vernon and Beauregard parishes, including three dependents of active duty Army personnel, attended the summer camp at Lamar Salter.

"We were very excited to provide this learning opportunity to our local students from Vernon and Beauregard Parish at no cost," she said. "The goal of the Robotics Camp was to encourage students to pursue careers in Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology."

CLTCC's willingness to host a free STEM-focused summer camp on its campuses demonstrates its continued commitment to Fort Polk Progress' Education Initiative, a list of educational targets to improve the quality of academics and well-being of students that attend regional schools.

Chris Barron, 17, is an Anacoco High School Senior. He and his family came to the area when his father, a 1st Sgt, was stationed at Fort Polk. Chris said he would definitely recommend the camp to other students, and that it was challenging and engaging. He said he especially liked the problem-solving element of the camp.

"I personally enjoyed it a lot because i had never really been exposed to anything like that, in particular. It was all new," he said. "I learned a lot, definitely."

Janice said this camp was the first opportunity CLTCC has had to offer a STEM-focused learning component that involved robotics. She said the opportunity to offer the camp again will be contingent upon grant funding, which was the source of funding for the camp this year.

CLTCC's Chancellor Jimmy Sawtelle said the camp was funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. He added that STEM-focused learning is key in getting kids excited about the possibilities in those industries and that there is a real need to fill those jobs.

Camps were offered in Leesville, Alexandria, Jena, Oakdale, and Winnfield. Cottonport and Ferriday will be hosting their camps from June 22-24 and June 25-29, respectively.

Photos courtesy of CLTCC.  

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training in more than 20 disciplines to support local workforce development and prepare students for good-paying jobs.  CLTCC serves nine parishes in Central Louisiana through its seven locations and provides instruction in three state prisons and two federal correctional institutions.  For more information, visit www.cltcc.edu.

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