Guilford Preparatory Academy’s tech lab hummed with quiet energy before sunrise each day of its summer program. For Mrs. Wade, it wasn’t just the blinking screens that signaled a new day – it was the sound of arriving students, eager and ready to dive into STEM projects. This wasn’t just another camp; it was a place built on opportunity, something Mrs. Wade herself longed for during her childhood summers.
Inspired by her own lack of access to such enriching programs as a child, Mrs. Wade convinced school officials to turn the tech lab into a space where students could explore real-world technology applications during their summer break. Backed by Guilford Preparatory Academy’s board chair Alton Woods and director of operations Annette Lewis, she launched the STEM Camp and Career Accelerator program in June 2021. The goal was simple yet profound: give underserved middle schoolers a chance to build practical skills, boost their confidence, and discover the potential within themselves.
Every morning, the lab bustled with purposeful energy as students settled into stations, each focused on a different project. Some honed coding skills within interactive platforms, others mapped out safe paths for robots, while the drone team meticulously prepped for flight tests. Nothing in this room was passive or accidental – every line of code written, every adjustment made, came from student-driven effort. This hands-on approach not only taught them technical skills but also subtly shifted their perception of themselves: they weren’t just students; they were builders, creators, problem solvers.
The program transcended basic coding and robotics lessons. Guest speakers, both in person and virtually, painted a picture of real STEM careers, humanizing the often abstract world of technology. A network technician spoke about the unseen infrastructure that keeps schools running smoothly. An alum shared insights from early college courses, highlighting how patience and perseverance were vital to mastering even seemingly complex concepts like debugging. Financial literacy wasn’t overlooked either; students tackled budgeting basics and explored practical applications using spreadsheets, learning skills relevant to their everyday lives beyond technology.
Crucially, the program woven in social-emotional learning throughout every activity. Esports matches became mini-lessons on teamwork, turn-taking, and graciousness in both victory and defeat. Students learned to confidently introduce themselves, articulate their projects clearly, and respectfully ask for help – skills that directly translated to classroom success and future career readiness.
The Impact That Lasts
By the program’s end, students had gained foundational coding proficiency, safe operation of basic tools, and a grasp of personal finance. But perhaps the most significant impact was less tangible: it prevented summer learning loss and fostered academic enthusiasm that spilled over into other subjects throughout the year.
The effects extended beyond the lab itself. Students who participated became peer mentors, encouraging each other to enroll in Mrs. Wade’s technology courses during the school year. Their newfound confidence and focus permeated the classroom environment, transforming them into role models for their peers. Teachers reported improved engagement and social-emotional growth among program participants, while parents echoed similar sentiments: “My child loves this program” they remarked, and “Thank you, Mrs. Wade. My child believes again.”
Mrs. Wade’s story is a testament to the power of repurposing limited resources and nurturing student potential. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about fostering a culture that celebrates hard work and embraces mistakes as learning opportunities. Her model serves as an invitation to every school: open your doors, equip students with technology, and be present long enough to witness their transformative journey.
