For the 13th year, students entering ninth grade in September will spend a week exploring careers in biotechnology, aviation, pharmaceuticals, nanoscience and other emerging technologies over their summer vacation at Tech Valley Regional Science Camp.
The camp began in 2004 as a feeder for Tech Valley High School, and has since grown to be one of the region’s premiere summer experiences for students. This year, the camp runs from July 10-14.
A camper uses the thermal camera on a fire truck at the Albany Airport Fire Department at the 2015 camp.
Each day of the five-day camp is hosted by a different Tech Valley business, organization or university. Activities are led by local professionals working closely with the camp counselors (school teachers) to create an environment that engages and captivates students through hands-on activities.
Students will visit Hudson Valley Community College, GE Global Research, Albany Molecular, Taconic, the Cancer Research Center, SUNY Poly and the Albany International Airport.
While the camp was founded to build interest in TVHS, it has since continued to play an important role in a regional strategy to introduce students to careers in STEM before they enter high school.
Questar III has played an important role in funding the camp while handling marketing and online registration. When corporate funding dried up for the camp during the great recession, Questar III stepped in with grant funding to preserve the camp as an option for students. The camp also receives donations from Questar III employees via the Questar III Education Foundation.
