Robotics summer camps as a recruiting tool: a case study

Abstract

This paper reports on a recent Robotics and Computing Summer Camp that was held at Southeastern Louisiana University. The week-long camp featured talks, demonstrations, and activities from a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related areas, including computer science, engineering technology, industrial technology, and Occupational Safety, Health and Environment. Thirty seven students attended the camp. Pre and Post tests were administered to the students which included content questions and interest-level questions related to STEM careers, in particular Technology and Engineering. Often times, such tests are administered in events like this; however, our Pre and Post tests also included questions on whether or not this event influenced the participants' likelihood to matriculate to Southeastern upon high school graduation. The results, lessons-learned, and a unique future direction are reported.