SYRACUSE — Syracuse University (SU) Athletics says it’s teaming up with Micron Technoloy, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) for a one-day STEM of Sports Academy for high-school students this summer. The effort is designed to “ignite and cultivate student interest and engagement” in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts “through the lens of sports,” SU Athletics […]
SYRACUSE — Syracuse University (SU) Athletics says it’s teaming up with Micron Technoloy, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) for a one-day STEM of Sports Academy for high-school students this summer. The effort is designed to “ignite and cultivate student interest and engagement” in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts “through the lens of sports,” SU Athletics said in its June 12 announcement. The STEM of Sports curriculum, which is designed for all interest levels, will use sports as the “real-life catalyst” to engage rising 9th grade and 10th grade participants. Students don’t have to be athletic or excel in science to participate, as the overarching goal is to “provide a meaningful learning experience applicable to all who enjoy sports and are intrigued by STEM,” per the announcement. “This Syracuse University and Micron initiative will bring STEM to life through the lens of sports,” Salatha Willis, associate athletics director for diversity, culture and climate at Syracuse University, said in a news release. “The academy is intended to help captivate young minds, foster curiosity, and ignite a passion for science and technology. By blending hands-on STEM activities with the excitement of athletics, young student scholars will have the opportunity to discover the joy of learning while exploring the endless possibilities of STEM, hopefully sparking future opportunities to learn and grow.” The academy will offer two co-ed sessions and one session exclusively for female students. The one-day sessions will be held at the Lally Athletics Complex. Registration for the academy will be coordinated through local school districts, with Syracuse University Athletics partnering directly with select districts to facilitate enrollment. “Whether we talk about the evolution of the helmets worn in football, hockey or lacrosse, or the memory in the tablets utilized by coaches at Syracuse University —STEM and sports are intertwined to ensure student athletes are successful on the field, and safe during competition,” Robert Simmons, director of Micron Gives North America at Micron Technology, said in the release. “Micron’s collaboration with Syracuse University Athletics Department and the College of Engineering and Computer Science gives me great confidence that young people who join us for the STEM of Sports Academy will not only enhance their understanding of STEM but also make connections to semiconductor careers of the future, and Micron’s commitment to Central New York.” The curriculum for the STEM of Sport Academy was developed by Cindy Smith, assistant teaching professor for SU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. Smith’s “innovative” approach ensures that students not only grasp STEM concepts but also see their real-world applications in the context of sports, “fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for both disciplines,” SU contends. The school says Smith brings expertise in sports engineering to the development of the STEM of Sport Academy curriculum. “This initiative makes STEM more accessible to young minds by tapping into their passion for sports,” Smith said. For inquiries and registration details, contact Salatha Willis (swillisj@syr.edu).