The PiPES: Possibilities in Post-Secondary Education and Sciences program just concluded their second summer program June 6-8, 2017. PiPES partners with 10th and 11th graders from Campbell and Union County schools to provide post-secondary and STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, and medical) awareness activities. As part of the PiPES program, rising juniors and seniors can apply to attend a three-day summer camp program held on campus. Throughout the week, 51 students had the opportunity to explore STEMM labs, engage in team-building activities, learn about UT and postsecondary options, and hear from UT undergraduates who serve as near-peer mentors. Five returning campers from year 1 also visited the CURENT labs and attended a physics lecture.
Through the program, PiPES students are provided college-going awareness information with the intent to break down the college-going barriers normally found among rural Appalachian youth. Financial planning, how to navigate the application process and involving parents in the process are items addressed. The summer program allows them the experience of visiting a college campus to help break down more of the barriers.
PiPES is made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and seeks to make a positive difference in East Tennessee by providing opportunities for tenth- and eleventh-grade students in Campbell and Union Counties to explore STEMM careers and to promote college awareness.