CIMSS Student Workshop: STEM before STEM was Cool

In 1991, NOAA’s Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison launched the first summer workshop in the Atmospheric, Earth, and Space Sciences. The workshop’s curriculum was facilitated by passionate earth scientists at CIMSS and other UW-Madison academic departments. Through “hands-on” experiences with science tools and data, their contributions spread the exciting nature of scientific technology and research with the pre-college education community. To attract the best and brightest students into the field of science, the workshop sought to stimulate young people's interests by demonstrating that science is interesting, exciting, and fun!

Originally grant-funded, the camp became more self-sustaining, and now tuition covers most costs. Needs-based tuition offsets are provided. Advertising through social media soon saw enrollment expanding across the United States and as far away as Iceland. Thus, the 21st century workshop roster regularly includes out-of-state high school students and occasional international attendees. For example, 2019 participants hailed from 10 different states!

The workshop is highly interactive featuring several field trips and numerous hands-on activities. This AMS presentation will include a photo tour of the agenda showing students in action. We will also share compiled evaluations and lessons learned from offering a STEM summer camp for nearly 3 decades.

The CIMSS summer workshop for high school students has established a legacy in the educational community. The majority of program graduates have gone on to pursue science majors in college and several graduates have since helped with the workshop while attending the UW-Madison. With continued support from NOAA and collaborations between University departments, the workshop will continue to attract students to science careers for years to come.