 Introducing Step Up the Stem at ECSU. This is an innovative interdisciplinary academic program that uses exciting real-world subjects to challenge rising 9th and 10th graders across North Carolina and build their skills in science, math, technology, and communications. During the program's residential institute, students live and learn on the campus of Elizabeth City State University where they have the opportunity to take advantage of many unique enrichment activities on campus and in the area. My favorite thing about the Step Up the Stem program was definitely the people I got to meet, the engagement I had with them, and the experiences we made together. It was a great opportunity because it was my first time ever being in a college campus this big. My favorite activity that I get inside the classroom is when we made prosthetic-like prototypes in anatomy, so we really built a prosthetic limb with cardboard and tape and stuff like that, and it was really interesting. It makes you feel like you can really do anything. What I like about the program the most is that it gives the kids the opportunity to go more in depth in science and math. It takes a different avenue than the basics. You're getting a different foundation. You're taking a different avenue with it. It's more hands-on and I love that. The second part that I love about it is that it's actually being offered here at Elizabeth City State University my alma mater. I was very excited about him living on a college campus, getting the experience of being his own boss, of his own schedule, and having to be responsible for getting up and winning classes. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone, especially from our county. Our county sometimes get overlooked with different programs like this, so it was a good opportunity for children from Halifax County to get to be able to participate in the program. Their teachers in the program are absolutely phenomenal. They have a passion for the subjects that they teach, and they are invested in students. It's been a fantastic experience. Knowing that the School of Science and Math is coming to our campus and bringing some motivated students from the surrounding areas was an awesome opportunity. Not only do students have the opportunity to participate in this program in the summertime, but there are also opportunities to participate in STEM enrichment activities throughout the school year. So it allows for students to remain engaged in STEM, as well as learning about different opportunities that are available across the state of North Carolina as it pertains to STEM. Before this camp, I didn't really think about going into a big STEM, and this camp really made me more aware on how fun STEM is and how amazing of feelings and career in STEM would be. Families interested in the program must complete the online application and request information from a teacher and a school counselor. For more information, please visit our website.