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SVC hosts computer science camp for 26 students from Young Men and Women in Charge Foundation

SVC hosts computer science camp for 26 students from Young Men and Women in Charge Foundation

by Public Relations | July 02, 2024

LATROBE, PA – Twenty-six middle school and high school students from the Young Men and Women in Charge (YMWIC) Foundation attended a weeklong computer science camp June 17-21 at Saint Vincent College.

The students, all of whom are from the Philadelphia area, spent the week immersed in computer science classwork. Classroom sessions were led by local high school teachers Wendy Lint (Greater Latrobe) and Matthew Very (Greensburg Central Catholic). Lesson topics included the underlying principles of computers, the binary system, data encryption, algorithms and AI and machine learning. The students used Code.org and Carnegie Mellon University CS Academy, an online, graphics-based computer science curriculum, to develop programs.

The campers visited the Applied Training Solutions (ATS) innovation center in Greensburg. They had fun engaging with hands-on innovation stations to explore augmented reality, artificial intelligence applications and reality-based gaming engines. ATS is a leading national provider of training and operational support technologies and services for the military and first responders.

“We enjoy our partnership with Saint Vincent College and welcome opportunities to show the next generation technical workforce some of the tools and applications built by our ATS solution engineers,” said Mike Suman, vice president of technology at ATS.

Away from the classroom, the students went swimming and played basketball and football. On the final night of camp, the group visited the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve on the Saint Vincent campus.

The camp was coordinated by Saint Vincent College chemistry lab manager Beth Bollinger. Four students from the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing served as counselors: Angelina Bucci, C 25, a biochemistry major from Lower Burrell; Vincent Kaschauer, C 25, a biochemistry major from Pittsburgh; Rebecca Slate, C 26, a biochemistry major from Boswell; and Enelson Jules, C 27, a computer science major from Tampa, FL. 

Founded in 2007, YMWIC’s mission is to prepare economically disadvantaged youth to excel in STEM careers through a structured and rigorous curriculum, academic tutoring, mentoring and financial assistance programs. The foundation partners with K-12 school districts, universities, corporations and other agencies. With chapters in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, YMWIC is serving more than 200 scholars and has more than 60 alumni, all of whom have or are earning undergraduate degrees, continuing postgraduate studies or pursuing professional careers.

Saint Vincent College has partnered with YMWIC since 2013. This year’s camp was partially funded through a PAsmart grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Those grants support high-quality STEM and computer science learning and professional development opportunities to communities across the state.


Middle school and high school students from the Young Men and Women in Charge

Instructor Mark Bambino (center) and YMWIC students Savannah Thomas (left) and Tanejah Cooper (right) use augmented reality gear at Applied Training Solutions innovation center

 

 

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