Lilly Grant to Support Rose-Hulman STEM Camps

Thursday, April 28, 2022 02:14 PM EDT Updated: Thursday, April 28, 2022 03:04 PM EDT
By Mary Roberts, Writer/Reporter
(photo courtesy of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has received a nearly $650,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. in Indianapolis to support STEM enrichment. The grant is part of Lilly’s Indiana Youth Programs on Campus initiative, which supports college- and university-led summer camp enrichment for students who have historically been underrepresented in higher education.

Rose-Hulman says the funding will support Rose Power Camp, a camp experience for girls who want to work in innovation centers, and Operation Catapult, a STEM camp where students design, build and present a project from scratch. The grant will fund the camp experiences for the next three summers.

“This continuing partnership with Lilly Endowment’s K-12 educational mission provides additional opportunities for our pre-college programs to encourage and inspire STEM interest and intent in high school students,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert Coons. “Through strong program engagement, summer scholars catalyze and solidify their commitment to STEM careers while gaining the confidence, tools, and knowledge to succeed in their majors and become leaders of the future in their respective fields. This Lilly Grant promotes greater access, so individuals are encouraged to pursue careers and opportunities aligned with their academic capabilities and personal interests.”

Rose Power Camp will provide a six-day experience using machines, tools, and fabrication equipment. Operation Catapult will offer three 11-day sessions where high school students will be introduced to hands-on projects and lectures on several engineering areas.

“Our summer programs maintain a strong pipeline of interest while also ensuring that these prospective high school students get the tools and information necessary to excel,” said Tom Bear, vice president for enrollment management. “These experiences build students’ STEM preparedness as well as competitiveness for college admission. Our goal is to have all students consider STEM careers with many enrolling at Rose-Hulman.”

You can connect to more information and register for Rose-Hulman’s summer programs by clicking here.