The Code Orlando STEM Camp is currently being held in partnership with the University of Central Florida College of Community Innovation and Education and the Gordon Family Giving Foundation.
Each summer, Code Orlando hosts 8th to 12th-grade students who participate in a “Technology Odyssey” that introduces them to various tech careers. During camp, students also visit universities while getting the opportunity to meet local business leaders who share similar backgrounds.
The program's mission is to inspire young people to consider science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers and a broader vision of possibilities in STEM + the arts (STEAM).
During the four-week camp, students participate in projects and coding and complete a three-day internship. Despite COVID-19 limitations, this year's participants have still been able to experience a NASA launch, a trip to the Orlando Management facility, and meet with tech leaders. The camp takes place in downtown Orlando.
This past week WESH 2 News, employees at a local Orlando news station were invited to speak at the camp. Anchor Christina Watkins and photojournalist Alex Adley spoke to the students about what was in the news. Students were also able to demonstrate roles where they pretend to cover breaking news.
In the coming weeks, students will learn about aerospace technology, the rail system, environmental engineering, and various other aspects of technology. They will also have the opportunity to develop their own technology projects that are inclusive of coding, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and animation skills.
The Gordon Family Giving Foundation, led by former Orlando Magic player Aaron Gordon, teamed up with UCF to donate $300,000 to STEM programs through 2025.
