July 8, 2019
Alumnus helps make STEM camp possible
2019 MIS STEM Camp kicks off today thanks to a COB alumnus
The College of Business Management Information Systems’ (MIS) STEM camp officially kicked off today.
Twenty girls from the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Plains will immerse themselves in a technology-influenced curriculum and atmosphere designed to excite camp attendees for STEM-related career opportunities.
“The goal of the project is to advance STEM education in eastern North Carolina and to address the critical need for females to enter career paths in the underrepresented area of STEM fields, specifically technology-related fields such as MIS,” said Dr. April Reed, COB professor and camp organizer.
The camp provides hands-on experience where participants will learn how to build websites, program with coding languages to create 3D animations and collaborate in teams with project management skills. Attendees also will experience 3D printing, network with MIS students and alumni in technology fields, and take a technology related field trip.
Stepping in to Help
Angelena Brack
Angelena Brack, an executive director with JPMorgan Chase, is a COB alumnus who graduated with a BSBA MIS degree in 2008. She currently serves on the MIS’ advisory council and recently visited Greenville in March to attend the council’s meeting with the MIS department. During this meeting, she learned about the challenges the MIS department and Reed were having concerning the camp’s funding.
Brack then acted.
“Dr. Reed has done such a good job with the previous MIS camps, and every year, she has difficulty funding those camps,” said Brack. “That fact was one of the biggest drivers for me to help.”
During that meeting, Brack wrote a check to make sure the camp was fully funded.
“I was lucky enough to have exposure to technology both when I was at home and school,” said Brack. “This camp gives these children one more opportunity to have access to technologies that could impact their future lives and possible careers.”
“We’re fortunate to have active, passionate alumni who see specific needs and then give back to the College,” said, Reed. “Angelena has made this year’s camp possible, and we’re lucky to call her one of our own.”
This year’s STEM camp consists of two, five-day sessions. The second session starts July 22.
For those looking to support future MIS STEM camps, the COB has started a crowdfunding campaign that ends July 21. Brack, who gave a gift of $5,000, has issued a challenge for others to match her amount.
Those interested in supporting the MIS STEM Camp can follow this link.
The 2019 MIS STEM Camp opens today with 20 girls attending the camp that is focused on technologies for future careers.