In the depths of summer, a group of bright-eyed high school students from underrepresented backgrounds dove into the world of ocean engineering, quite literally. Thanks to a groundbreaking STEM bootcamp funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), these students are getting hands-on experience with underwater autonomous gliders and a taste of life as a U.S. Department of Navy (DoN) civilian researcher.
This project was a collaborative initiative between TIES and BEST (Building Engineering and Science Talent). The TIES team included Toby Bothel, TIES executive vice-president for engineering and digital fabrication and a trailblazing female retired ocean engineer, and Julie Stolzer, TIES executive vice president for innovation and federal engagement. This program is part of a broader Department of Navy outreach initiative to spark interest in STEM careers among diverse student populations. The bootcamp, which was held at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) in Maryland, brings students into state-of-the-art laboratories, offering them a glimpse into the exciting research conducted within the DoN.
“So much of engineering is working as a team,” Bothel said. “And the more diverse experiences that engineers bring to “the table” means better solutions to the operational and technical challenges facing the warfighter. The Navy, Army and Air Force are all very committed, not only in their recruiting of active-duty personnel, but in their civilian recruiting efforts to attract students that bring diverse viewpoints, diverse backgrounds, and diverse experiences to solve challenging problems.
During the bootcamp, the students are also introduced to DoN’s Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP), which offers paid internships to qualified high school students for eight weeks during the summer. A team of educators, from each of the high schools which participated, were also part of the bootcamp. This network of educators will play a key role as the students navigate the complex process of applying for these internships.
The highlight of the boot camp? Building and launching underwater autonomous gliders. This challenging project gives students a taste of real-world engineering problems and the satisfaction of seeing their hard work translated into a working model. But this STEM boot camp goes beyond just hands-on learning. It’s about building STEM identity and opening doors to new environments and opportunities. “We wanted to give the students an opportunity to develop their STEM identity by meeting and hearing about the career paths of STEM professionals who looked like them, and who had experiences like them, so they could see themselves in that career”, Bothel said.
“This boot camp is just one example of TIES’ commitment to STEM education and our ongoing collaboration with the DOD,” Stolzer said. “By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, TIES is helping to cultivate the next generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers.” Stolzer is dedicated to bringing that STEM learning to more federal partnerships.
Both women noted, that as we look to the future of STEM in the United States, programs like this ONR-funded boot camp are essential. They not only help diversify the STEM pipeline but also ensure that our nation remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
“This summer’s boot camp is more than just a learning experience – it’s a launchpad for future STEM leaders,” Stolzer said. “By providing underrepresented students with the tools, knowledge, and support they need, we’re not just shaping individual careers, we’re shaping the future of STEM itself.”
For those interested in learning more about TIES partnerships with the DOD, please contact juliestolzer@tiesteach.org.
