Phillips 66 Underwrites RSU’s STEM CEO Summer Camp

people at desk in officeBartlesville area middle school students will have more opportunities to expand their knowledge of science and math this summer at Rogers State University’s summer STEM and Career Exploring Opportunities (CEO) Camp.

Thanks to a grant from Phillips 66, RSU’s STEM CEO Summer Camp initiative will provide a five-day camp filled with indoor and outdoor interactive activities designed to teach new STEM competencies and explore STEM career opportunities. “We hope the camp encourages local students to pursue further education and careers in STEM disciplines,” said Ann Oglesby, vice president, Technology for Phillips 66 in Bartlesville. “And ultimately inspire these students one day to generate solutions to new challenges and technological innovations in our business.”

RSU-Bartlesville will collaborate with five middle schools making this unique experience available for 100 area students who will be starting 9th grade this fall. Twenty students will be selected via a formal application process, which begins with school counselors. Youth from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. There is no application fee, no cost for participants to attend, and lunch will be provided. RSU Bartlesville faculty, local experts and business professionals will facilitate the enrichment sessions, teaching STEM competencies and exploring STEM career opportunities, including lunch with a local business professional. In addition to the learning experience, students will take part in a recognition day program where they will receive a camp t-shirt, a $25 gift card, and a certificate of completion. Recognition day will be held for participants and their parents/ guardians on July 31, 2018.

According to Dr. Bruce McGowan, Associate Vice President for the Bartlesville campus at Rogers State University, “This summer camp experience is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and organization’s leaders in and around our community. These collaborative efforts will help us reach our goal which is to help stimulate career interests of area youth and hopefully build an early pipeline for Bartlesville’s future employees.”

Camp staff anticipates the hands-on, collaborative approach will enhance the STEM learning students already experience during the school year in the classroom.

To learn more about the dates and locations for the five-day STEM CEO camp schedule, contact RSU faculty member and STEM Camp Director Mr. Chris Ruhl by phone at 918-338-8039 or by e-mail at [email protected]. To learn how local RSU Bartlesville support impacts students in Bartlesville, contact Angie Thompson, Development Officer for the RSU Foundation at [email protected].