EMBHSSC
Over the past 12 years, The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp (EMBHSSC) have been held in over 50 colleges and universities across the nation. It is a two-week residential camp hosted at colleges and universities across the nation. It was created by The Harris Foundation (THF), in partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation to provide 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students the opportunity to enhance their proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education while living on a college campus – all at no cost to the child or family.
The Harris Institute/Foundation’s goal is to enhance the academic success of K-12 students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through innovative STEM-based experiences conducted in collaboration with higher education institutions, informal science institutions and professional organizations. The organization supports systemic change in the delivery of STEM-based curriculum and the outcomes for student learning.
The core STEM curriculum is integrated with field excursions and other educational experiences that enrich students’ understanding of the practical relationships between classroom work and the real world. Communication and teamwork are integral parts of the students’ camp experience. Evening counseling sessions provide opportunities for discussion of students’ academic, career and social issues. Students engage in an array of extracurricular activities during the non-class time.
Each campsite has 50% female and 50% male participants representing each targeted grade level. Through its innovative, student-centered, inquiry-based curriculum, campers complete a minimum of 56 hours of advanced STEM study taught by highly qualified educators from area school districts and university faculty.
To be eligible to apply, students should:
• Be members of a traditionally underserved and underrepresented population;
• Be entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade;
• Have a GPA of at least “B” overall in mathematics and science;
• Score at the median to superior level on standardized mathematics and science tests;
• Write a 250-word essay describing their interest in the camp and STEM;
• Be interviewed, if deemed necessary;
• Have exhibited an interest in mathematics and science; and
• Have strong recommendations from their current mathematics and science teachers.
"I love to work in teams because sometimes having more than one mind with more ideas can be powerful. Plus, working in teams is just plain fun and teaches communication and cooperation. Teamwork!"
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(Camper from Lamar University)
"I loved the hands-on activities. I like actually getting to experience the moment in depth instead of just the teacher teaching and the kids watching."
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(Camper from Northeastern University)
"A lot of fun! I learned a lot and nothing was predictable and I REALLY like it that way."
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(Camper from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)
"I was impressed by the way the students took on the core problem. The material was not diluted in any way from what one might present to freshman engineering students."
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(Teacher at Texas Tech University)
"It is the tireless efforts of organizations like The Harris Foundation that gives students the courage to continue to reach for the stars."
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(Parent from Central State University, read full letter here).
The Harris Institute/Foundation
P.O. Box 130648
Houston, Texas 77219
Phone: 713.877.9276
Fax: 713.877.8669
info@theharrisinstitute.org
