CampBioE 2.0 Coming in 2024!

kid smiling in a classroom

CampBioE 2.0 is a dynamic camp that engages students in the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through intentional mentorship and exposure to cutting edge,hands-on activities related to bioengineering.

This innovative program is designed to

  • Inspire and educate the next generation of scientific and medical professionals,
  • Develop leaders with backgrounds and perspectives that can identify and serve the needs of all members of our communities, and
  • Spark and maintain the students' interest in STEM fields as they prepare for future careers in these exciting fields.

We we want our participants to know that the doors to the University of Pittsburgh are open to them at an early age and that we are committed to their successful matriculation and professional careers.

What's New:

CampBioE has been in existence for nearly 15 years, and we have engaged more than 1200 students from Western PA and beyond, with a emphasis on providing opportunities for students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. During that time, we have seen many of our participants identify that bioengineering is indeed their career choice, with a number of those students matriculating into our department and then working for some of the very companies that helped to support our programming.

This positive feedback loop has been truly inspiring. To date, however, CampBioE has focused primarily on middle and high school students. Our NEW vision is to adapt our existing CampBioE summer camp program into a pipeline program, CampBioE 2.0. This program will engage students starting as young as kindergarten up through high school, through continued STEM exposure, mentorship, and opportunities that would enable successful matriculation into top STEM universities, including the University of Pittsburgh. 

2024 Camp Details 

Registration link will be available on this website soon. 

Cost: $500 per camper per week

The camp registration fee will be waived for scholars if their household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania. The eligibility guidelines are based strictly on household income and can be found at https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/2013. At the time of registration, scholars will be asked to declare their eligibility status and to provide proof of eligibility once registered.

Dates: July 8, 2024 - Aug 9, 2024

Times: 9:00AM - 4:00 PM

Ages: Elementary students (starting with 2nd grade), middle school students, and high schoolers up to 12th grade. 

Location: Homewood Community Engagement Center, 622 N Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Camp Leadership and Counselors:

A female student working with a younger girl in a classroom CampBioE is led by a cohort of experienced STEM education professionals as well as several Pitt bioengineering undergraduate students who act as camp counselors for the week. For two months prior to camp, Pitt faculty help the counselors design and develop learning modules that engage the campers. In addition, the undergraduates participate in further discussion and exploration by sharing their experiences as college students, including the path they took to get where they are today.

Diversity Initiative:

CampBioE is a champion of diversity in the fields of science, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. We are proud that we have been able to achieve approximately equal participation in terms of gender over the years. Yet, we still face challenges related to the participation of students from ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Please inquire about opportunities for underrepresented/minority (URM) students (defined below) and economically disadvantaged families  by contacting campbioe@pitt.edu 

Definitions by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health: The Higher Education Act defines the term “minority” as an American Indian, Alaskan Native, Black (not of Hispanic origin), Hispanic (including persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central or South American origin), Pacific Islander, or other ethnic group underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

CampBioE Leadership

head shot of Katrina Knight mark redfern head shot
Katrina Knight
Director
Mark Redfern
Interim Chair of Bioengineering
mark speaking in front of a classroom Steve headshot
Mark Krotec
Camp Master Educator
Steven Abramowitch
Strategic Officer

 

 

CampBioE Report Archive

If you would like to make a contribution to CampBioE or become a sponsor, please contact Laura Latini (lal121@pitt.edu) or

For more information on the day-to-day activities of the camp, please see our facebook page: 

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Male teacher worker at a desk with two students using equipment

Group photo of counselors

girl student sitting at a classroom desk