Archmere Student Turns Passion for STEM into Opportunity for Kent County Students

With support from Delaware State University (DSU) and WOW! Science, Jade organized a free, one-week STEM camp for elementary and middle school students in Kent County. Held August 3–7 at DSU, the inaugural camp brought together 16 students for a week of hands-on learning, creativity and problem-solving. The idea grew from Jade’s own experiences exploring STEM.

“During the pandemic, I taught myself how to code, and since elementary school, I have been fortunate to have opportunities that allowed me to explore science, technology, engineering, and math,” Jade said.

As Jade continued to explore STEM, she began thinking about students in her own community who might not have the same opportunities.

“Too many students in elementary and middle schools throughout Kent County do not have enough opportunities to experience STEM,” she said. “This summer, I knew I had to do something because I wanted to be part of the change in my community.”

Building a STEM Opportunity

Jade reached out to her mentor, Dr. Eric Cheek, Engineering Director at Delaware State University, as well as Fala Adehi of WOW! Science, to bring her idea to life. DSU provided the space for the camp, while WOW! Science supplied STEM equipment and materials.

The response from families was immediate. All 16 spots filled within 24 hours, and more than 40 additional children were placed on a waiting list. For Jade, that response confirmed what she had hoped: Kent County students are eager to explore STEM when given the opportunity.

“They were not missing curiosity, intelligence, or creativity. They needed access,” Jade said.

Throughout the week, campers explored renewable and non-renewable energy, neuroscience, coding and engineering. They built solar-powered model cars, coded windmills and created solar ovens. They even made s’mores while learning about solar energy.

For their culminating project, the students worked together to design and build a model community powered by renewable energy. Their creations included a police station, hospital, Delaware State University and other innovative structures.

The camp emphasized more than learning STEM concepts. Students had the opportunity to build, experiment, solve problems, collaborate and turn their ideas into something tangible.

On August 7, the camp concluded with a Student Project Showcase attended by members of the Dover community. Students presented the projects they had created throughout the week and celebrated what they had learned.

For Jade, the experience reinforced the importance of taking initiative and using her interests to make a difference.

“This experience taught me something that I will carry with me—never think you are too young to make a difference,” she said. “I am 14 years old, did not have months to prepare, and did not have unlimited resources. I had an idea, a community that was willing to help, and a belief that children in Kent County deserved more opportunities.”

Jade’s leadership, creativity and commitment to expanding access to STEM are already inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, programmers and innovators.

To read the full Bay to Bay news article and to view pictures, click here.