![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/81\/2011\/06\/Summer-Merit-Flier.jpg\" "\\"Summer")
<\/a>This July, ACC will host a computer programming camp and three sessions of a CSI forensics camp. The camps are open to youth ages 14-16. Spots are still available, and the camps are free to participants. While all students are encouraged to apply, priority is given to underserved youth, especially foster children.<\/p>\n“The mission of ACC Youth Programs is to provide challenging and engaging educational activities that increase academic achievement and further\u00c2 develop a college-going culture,” says Jennifer Mathews, ACC Youth Programs coordinator.<\/p>\n
The computer programming camp is set for July 11-15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Northridge Campus (11928 Stonehollow Dr.). Faculty from ACC’s Computer Information Systems Department will use software that helps beginners grasp the fundamentals of programming and animation. Students will write animated programs and post their creations online for others to view.<\/p>\n
“Almost everyone knows how to use a computer to run programs written by others,” says camp instructor Dick Baldwin, professor of computer information technology. “This camp will help students move to the next level by learning how to write their own programs.”<\/p>\n
The CSI camps are scheduled for July 11-15, July 18-22, and July 25-29, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Eastview Campus (3401 Webberville Rd.). Students will unravel a crime mystery, work in the biotechnology lab, and learn about research techniques. The program is led by Dr. Trish Phelps, ACC biology professor, and Dr. Sulatha Dwarakanath, adjunct professor in the college’s Biotechnology Department. ACC is teaming with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office to give students a better understanding of the investigative process, and forensic experts will visit the camps.<\/p>\n
“I think our main idea is to get teens interested in science,” says Dr. Dwarakanath. “Since the television show ‘CSI’ is so popular, we can take advantage of that to get students to see how science is actually used. Students will build confidence and learn the power of asking questions.”<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> for more information on the Summer Merit Program\u00c2 camps and an application, or contact Jennifer Mathews at jmathew@austincc.edu<\/a> (223.5170). The application period will remain open until camps are full, but Youth Programs recommends applying as soon as possible.<\/p>\n The programs are presented by the Texas Workforce Commission’s Summer Merit Grant Program and ACC.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Move over, campfires and sing-alongs – ACC Youth Programs\u00c2 is bringing Central Texas teenagers a different kind of camp experience.\u00c2 The college’s\u00c2 Summer Merit Program\u00c2 camps\u00c2 help prepare students for future careers by teaching them … Continue reading