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group of students wearing nametags walking outdoors on campus

The Student Achievement Support Services (SASS) Departments ASPIRE Summer STEM camps are open to all high school students entering the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grades in Pierce County. Our summer camps are a great way to meet new friends, improve your skills, and explore new interests.  Participants will have the opportunity to experience life on a college campus, and meet college mentors and staff.  

We will be offering four one-week camps with the opportunity to attend up to all four weeks or pick your favorite one-week camp(s).  Each participant will receive a free summer camp T-shirt, snacks, drinks and lunch. All camps will take place at the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus, with the opportunity for off campus field trips.

This year's summer camp theme focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as well as offering excellent summer engagement opportunities focused on topics ranging from music, dance, creative writing, college and career preparation, leadership development, and social issues including the environment, racial identity, and educational inequality.  If you are looking for enriching and engaging opportunities for Summer 2024, check out our free summer programs and apply today.

2024 ASPIRE Summer STEM Youth Summer Programs

ASPIRE Summer STEM camps are free to all students who live or reside in Pierce County. Free meals are provided to camp participants and bus tokens will be provided to students who need transportation. We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions on a case by case basis. All programs take place at the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus in Lakewood. If you are interested in learning about the college environment, meeting like-minded local peers and engaging in your community to make a positive impact in the world, apply today! Camp participants who meet the requirements are chosen on a first come, first served basis.

Apply for 2024 ASPIRE STEM Summer Programs

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students drawing around 3d printer

Science Week

Date: July 8 - 11, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Open to all Pierce County students in grades 9 - 12.

Join us for our 4-day Science Summer Camp where we take an indigenous-centered approach toward exploring knowledge systems in STEM. Build community among your peers as you engage in various sessions exploring environmental justice, local outdoor sights, and college preparation. Activities will include sessions on exploring Pierce College, science lab activities using microscopes led by a college professor, cultural and environmental importance of ecosystem diversity, local indigenous plant knowledge with both Wednesday and Thursday field trips off-campus! 

Apply for 2024 ASPIRE STEM Summer Programs

Technology Week

Date: July 15 - 18, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Open to all Pierce County students in grades 9 - 12.

Join us for our 4-day Technology Summer Camp where we will learn from a Microsoft special guest speaker about ethical computer hacking. Our camp's hackathon series will explore topics such as ethical hacking as a career, usage of artificial intelligence, and the various ways computer science is applied to everyday life! Build community among your peers as you engage in a variety of sessions that explore social justice, arts and identity, and college preparation. Activities will include sessions on exploring Pierce College, a Science Dome experience and a Thursday field trip off-campus to visit Microsoft!

Apply for 2024 ASPIRE STEM Summer Programs

Engineering Week

Date: July 22 - 25, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Open to all Pierce County students in grades 9 - 12.

Join us for our 4-day Engineering Summer Camp where we explore currently relevant Engineering topics, and the different learning pathways that exist for anyone who is interested in pursuing engineering career opportunities! Build community among your peers as you engage in a variety of sessions that explore social justice, arts and identity, and college preparation. Activities will include sessions on exploring Pierce College, a UW Tacoma presentation on possible majors of study, workshops on Engineering software, 3D printing and testing I-beam designs, a Science Dome experience and a Thursday field trip off campus!

Apply for 2024 ASPIRE STEM Summer Programs

Math Week

Date: July 29 - August 1, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Open to all Pierce County students in grades 9 - 12.

Join us for our 4-day Mathematics Summer Camp where we take an indigenous-centered approach toward exploring knowledge systems in STEM. Build community among your peers as you engage in a variety of sessions that explore financial literacy, business entrepreneurship, and unique business marketing. Activities will include sessions on exploring Pierce College, simulating shark tank experiments with small groups creating business models, sessions collaborating with local businesses panel, simulation with credit union on personal life math and a Thursday field trip to explore local businesses!

Apply for 2024 ASPIRE STEM Summer Programs

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