SIU STEM Future Innovators Program

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Last Updated: Apr 28, 2025, 10:41 AM

The STEM Education Research Center (SERC) at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIU) is a research and public service unit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). SERC is a community of faculty, staff, educators, and industry partners working together to prepare the next generation of STEM educators, researchers and professionals. SERC addresses critical issues in STEM education at local, state and national levels through multidisciplinary and integrative strategies in research, education and service. SERC builds regional and state-wide collaborations with other institutions to strategically advance STEM literacy and learning. SERC creates new programs for students to engage in STEM learning like the camps listed below.  

Services

  • Challenge to Excellence (C2E) Summer Camp

    Empowering Young Minds Through Discovery, Creativity, and Adventure at SIU's C2E Summer Camp

    C2E camp

  • STEM Research Academy

    Inspiring Future Innovators Through Hands-On Research and Faculty Mentorship at SIU's STEM Research Academy

    research academy

  • Involving Girls in STEAM camp

    Involving Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math.

    STEAM intro picture.
    SIU is committed to gender inclusivety. As such, this camp is open to all persons, including boys. 

  • Sensory Engineering in the Field

    Exploring STEM Through Biology, Engineering, and Coding: A Hands-On Summer Camp for Rising 7th and 8th Graders

    Sensory Engineering Intro image

Welcome to SIU STEM Academy/Camps

Our mission is to empower middle and high school students and promote STEM literacy through such means as immersive, hands-on learning experiences. We prepare creative thinkers, analytical problem-solvers, and productive team members to use their learning to address issues facing the world and to serve their communities in meaningful ways.
Camp

Our Vision

We envision a stimulating educational environment where students are inspired by STEM, acquire the knowledge and skills needed for a knowledge economy, and ultimately be prepared for fulfilling careers in fields that will experience exponential growth. We aspire to inspire the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, and mathematicians by fostering excellence and innovation.

Vision

Our core Values

  • Innovation

    Fostering creative and revolutionary solutions to complex issues in real life situations/scenarios.
    SIU STEM Academy Innovation

  • Critical Thinking

    Preparing students to analytically evaluate and address multifaceted challenges efficiently through STEM related activities.
    SIU STEM Academy Critical thinking

  • Collaboration

    Encouraging teamwork and communication among participants despite their backgrounds to maximize learning and innovation.
    SIU STEM Academy collaboration

  • STEM Literacy

    Ensuring students develop a strong foundation in STEM fields for academic and career success.
    STEM Literacy

  • Experiential Learning

    Providing hands-on experiences that connect students learning to practical applications.
    Experimental Learning

  • Community Impact

    Inspiring participants to use their knowledge to improve their local and global communities.
    SIU STEM Academy community Impact

  • Excellence & Perseverance

    We cultivate a mindset of determination, integrity, and continuous growth to help students achieve their personal and professional goals.
    SIU STEM Academy Excellence

"My Child had an amazing experience at SIU STEM Academy. They learned so much and had a blast making new friends. Highly recommend!"

 

John Doe