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MSAP-supported STEAM camp teaches coding and Spanish to Savannah students
Summary
Students from Savannah High, Hubert Middle School and A.B. Williams attended a STEAM camp aligned across the three schools under the Magnet Schools Assistance Program; participants described hands-on coding, wiring and Spanish lessons intended to prepare them for technology careers.
Students from Savannah High, Hubert Middle School and A.B. Williams are taking part in a STEAM-focused camp aligned across the three schools and supported by the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, officials said.
The camp aims to give students early exposure to computing and multilingual skills. “This is my first time, and I really enjoy it. And I wanna experience new things like coding and get a boost in the knowing of technology while I'm going to the next great level,” a student said.
Ken Slatz, speaking for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, described the program and its focus on coding. “Raymod and his classmates are taking in all the tech tips available through the magnet schools assistance program or MSAT, and coding is at the core of this steam initiative,” Slatz said. Another student described the scope of the work: “You can put it in a computer, a robot, a TV, a remote, anything. Coding can be anything that you put in, electronics to make something work.” A different student added that hands-on lessons have included electrical wiring and power sources: “I've been working on technology like wiring, electricity, how to power source and hydro electricity of all things to help.”
Dr. Lee and camp staff said the program was designed to align activities across the three schools and to help younger students acclimate to middle- and high-school settings. “MSAP supports Savannah High, Hubert Middle School, and AB Williams. So we tried to design the camp to align all 3 of the schools. So we have AB Williams students here as well, upcoming sixth graders. So that way, they could get acclimated to the Hubert lifestyle, how how Hubert operates. In Savannah High, we reached out and were able to have, some counselors or camp ambassadors to help in the classrooms with the students,” Dr. Lee said. Staff also said the camp includes Spanish language instruction alongside technology lessons: “Doctor Lee and her camp staff are also teaching the Spanish language along with several areas of technology, an opportunity for these campers to spread their wings,” Slatz said.
Organizers framed the camp as an early step to broaden students' access to STEM-related careers. “You can be creative. You can be smart. You can be brilliant,” one student said, summing up the program's message.
“Another example of preparing students for a bright future,” Slatz said. “For SCCPSS, I'm Ken Slatz.”
