'Cuse Athletics and Micron Team up for STEM of Sports Academy

Announcing the Syracuse University Athletics /Micron STEM of Sports Academy for high school students!

A partnership between Syracuse Athletics and Micron Technology, the one-day STEM of Sports Academy is designed to ignite and cultivate student interest and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts through the lens of sports. The academy will facilitate an enthusiasm for STEM content blended with the experience of sports in an environment that is engaging, fun and applicable. The STEM of Sports curriculum, which is designed for all interest levels, will use sports as the real-life catalyst to engage rising 9th and 10th grade participants. Students need not be athletic nor excel in science to participate, as the overarching goal is to provide a meaningful learning experience applicable to all who enjoy sports and are intrigued by STEM.

"This Syracuse University and Micron initiative will bring STEM to life through the lens of sports," said Syracuse University Associate Athletics Director for Diversity, Culture and Climate Salatha Willis. "The academy is intended to help captivate young minds, foster curiosity, and ignite a passion for science and technology. By blending hands-on STEM activities with the excitement of athletics, young student scholars will have the opportunity to discover the joy of learning while exploring the endless possibilities of STEM, hopefully sparking future opportunities to learn and grow."

The STEM of Sport Academy will leverage sports as a real-life catalyst to engage participants in hands-on STEM activities, encouraging curiosity and exploration. The academy will offer two co-ed sessions and one session exclusively for female students. The one day sessions will be held at the Lally Athletics Complex. Registration for the academy will be coordinated through local school districts, with Syracuse University Athletics partnering directly with select districts to facilitate enrollment.

"Whether we talk about the evolution of the helmets worn in football, hockey or lacrosse, or the memory in the tablets utilized by coaches at Syracuse University—STEM and sports are intertwined to ensure student athletes are successful on the field, and safe during competition," said Robert Simmons, Director of Micron Gives North America at Micron Technology. "Micron's collaboration with Syracuse University Athletics Department and the College of Engineering and Computer Science gives me great confidence that young people who join us for the STEM of Sports Academy will not only enhance their understanding of STEM but also make connections to semiconductor careers of the future, and Micron's commitment to Central New York."

The curriculum for the STEM of Sport Academy was developed by Cindy Smith, Assistant Teaching Professor for the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University. Her innovative approach ensures that students not only grasp STEM concepts but also see their real-world applications in the context of sports, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for both disciplines.

Smith brings a wealth of expertise in Sports Engineering to the development of the STEM of Sport Academy curriculum. With a deep understanding of the intersection between sports and technology, Professor Smith is dedicated to making STEM accessible and engaging for young minds by leveraging their passion for sports as a gateway to learning.

"This initiative makes STEM more accessible to young minds by tapping into their passion for sports," Smith said.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science is recognized nationally for excellence in teaching and research, balancing its commitment to excellence in education, in engineering, and computer science with the leadership role it plays in exploring emerging and innovative technologies.

For inquiries and registration details, contact Salatha Willis.

Syracuse University Athletics

'Cuse Athletics and Micron Team up for STEM of Sports Academy

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