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GSSM, Berkeley County Schools Partner for Year Two of iTEAMS
July 18, 2010
Rising eighth and ninth graders from across Berkeley County will tackle new challenges and exhibit creative problem-solving skills in the second annual Innovation Technology & Entrepreneurship Among Middle Schoolers (iTEAMS) camp from June 21 to 24 and June 28 to July 1.Funded from the Google Inc. Charitable Giving Fund at Tides Foundation, the iTEAMS camp (which is free to its participants) is a partnership between the S.C. Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) and the Berkeley County School District and designed to serve as a primer for students interested in pursuing studies and careers in computer science, engineering, programming and business.
After the camp's initial success last summer, Google increased its investment in the program, enabling it to grow to two weeks and double the number of campers to 84.
"Last year, the iTEAMS camp helped young students explore their interests in computer science, technology and math in a fun, welcoming setting," said Eric Wages, Google's operations manager at the Berkeley County Data Center. "We enjoyed being a part of this endeavor, and are proud to be able expand this program this year, giving even more kids the tools and resources to improve these vital skills. We continue to be committed to being a part of the Berkeley County community, through this program and others."
Employees from Google's nearby data center in the Mt. Holly Commerce Park will be on site daily to share information with campers on the entrepreneurial philosophies and overall vision of the dynamic Internet search company. They also will serve as mentors, introducing students to the company's technical applications and assisting with the camp's project-style format.
The iTEAMS camp addresses Google's focus on technology literacy and innovation as well as new economy entrepreneurship. Students will use a number of technological resources, including video game creation software, global positioning systems and computer programming applications, to simulate potential solutions to the different project challenges.
"This program continues to be an excellent opportunity for middle schoolers in Berkeley County to learn about technology and entrepreneurship from a sophisticated technology company like Google," said Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM President. "Our goal is to inspire and identify future talent and educate these motivated, young people about career opportunities in engineering and technology."
The company's community grant investment works within GSSM Foundation's mission to support the school as a resource of exemplary programs that improve and support the science and mathematics achievement of South Carolina students.
Archie Franchini, Berkeley County deputy superintendent for learning services, hopes that the iTEAMS camp will continue to highlight the school system's involvement in providing fresh education solutions.
"Last year's camp was a tremendous success and we are looking forward to the camps this year being even better. iTEAMS participants will be afforded the opportunity to expand their horizons in the areas of computer science, engineering, computer programming and business - and they will have fun while doing it!"
The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Math Foundation received a Google Community Grant of $48,430 from the Google Inc. Charitable Giving Fund at Tides Foundation. The Google Community Grant is being used to lead administrative efforts for the camp. Currently nine GSSM alumni are employed by Google Inc. in Mountain View, Calif., and New York City.
