Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Among Middle Schoolers Camp Kicks Off June 22

June 16, 2009

How much would it cost for a family of four to "live green?"  What will the next great video game (and its business plan) look like? What are the most fuel efficient bus routes in a perfectly engineered transportation plan?

Forty-two eighth-and-ninth-grade students from Berkeley County will spend the week of June 22-26 applying innovative problem-solving skills to these 21st Century challenges through the Innovation Technology & Entrepreneurship Among Middle Schoolers (iTEAMS) camp.

The program, which is free to its participants, is a joint effort between the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, Google Inc. and Berkeley County School District to encourage and serve as a primer for students interested in pursuing studies and careers in computer science, engineering, programming and business.

Employees from Google's nearby data center in Goose Creek will be on site daily to share information with campers on the entrepreneurial philosophies and overall vision of the dynamic Internet search company. They will also serve as mentors, introducing students to the company's technical applications and assisting with the camp's project-style format.

"It is important that young people are given the tools and the resources to enhance their science and math skills," said Jeff Stevenson, Google's program manager at the Berkeley County data center. "The iTEAMS camp will provide Berkeley County students who are showing an interest in computer science, technology or engineering with those skills, and the added benefit of being with other middle schoolers in a fun, nurturing environment."
 
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.

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.

"Much like the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, whose primary purpose is the economic development and prosperity of the Palmetto State, the iTEAMS camp will help identify future talent and educate motivated, young people about career opportunities in engineering and technology," said Kim Bowman, executive director of the GSSM Foundation.
 
The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Math Foundation received a Google Community Grant of $31,054 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 eight GSSM alumni are employed by Google Inc. in Mountain View, Calif., and New York City.