Graduating High School Seniors Invited to Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Fields

Saint Leo University Hosting Free STEM Boot Camp for Young Women January 6-7

Saint Leo University will hold a free STEM Boot Camp for Young Women workshop January 6 – 7 for graduating high school students to introduce them to science, technology, engineering, math, data analysis, potential careers, and the university. Presented by Saint Leo’s School of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science (CARDS), the workshop will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Saint Leo, 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574.

Special Guest Expert

The special guest for the STEM Boot Camp is Russell Goodman, sports analytics expert. He is a professor of mathematics at Central College in Pella, IA. He has worked with students on a variety of sports analytics issues including college football recruiting, expected points in women’s soccer, and analyzing catapult player tracking data in football. Goodman also runs the Midwest Sports Analytics Meeting, held in November each year.

Why is this event important?

Opening young women’s eyes to the possibilities of STEM is the goal of Saint Leo’s boot camp. “There is a drastic shortage of people with training in the STEM fields and that shortage is significantly greater for women,” said Dr. Jacci White, professor of mathematics in the School of CARDS. “Saint Leo University brings two wonderful strengths to the table for this initiative.

First, our values are a critical component so that the future workforce not only knows what to calculate, automate, investigate, etc., but also how to do that work in a way that enhances our community without harming any groups. Second, Saint Leo is unique that half of our full-time math faculty are women so that we can offer a less intimidating environment for young women to explore the ‘M’ in STEM.

“Our hope is that participants will see the value and excitement that is possible in these fields in a caring and supportive environment that will build confidence in their ability to pursue a degree/career in STEM, preferably at Saint Leo University.”

What will be covered?

Participants in Saint Leo’s STEM Boot Camp for Young Women will explore the university’s anatomage table, cybersecurity lab, and robotics lab, among other activities.

For more information or to RSVP for this free camp, contact Dr. Jacci White at jacci.white@saintleo.edu.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering 62 degree programs to more than 15,800 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks and sisters, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 100,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.