KINGSTON, Jamaica — Approximately 100 students from primary and secondary schools across Kingston and St Andrew gained hands-on experience in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, engineering and other emerging technologies during the third staging of the University of Technology’s (UTech) STEM Summer Camp.

Hosted by UTech’s Department of Community Service & Development, the two-week camp was held at the University’s Western Campus from July 13–24 and at the Papine Campus from July 20–31.

Held under the theme, “Resilient Futures: Empowering Jamaican Youth Through STEM Innovation for Climate Action, Community Impact and Sustainable Development,” the camp targeted students between 11 and 16 years old.

Participants engaged in immersive sessions covering animation, AI, robotics, engineering design, mathematics, science and the environment, as well as career exploration. Through the programme, students were exposed to emerging technologies while developing creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

A major focus of this year’s camp was practical learning, with participants assembling robots and observing automated technologies in operation.

The students also took part in an educational field trip facilitated by the Jamaica Defence Force to its Coast Guard base, HMJS Cagway, in Port Royal. The visit provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the operations aboard military vessels and examine the role of engineering and other STEM disciplines in national security.

Director of UTech’s Department of Community Service & Development, Paulton Gordon, said the programme was designed to generate greater interest in STEM while helping students understand its practical applications.

“This year’s camp was aimed at getting a lot more kids interested in STEM and understanding the practical component of it,” Gordon said.

He said the programme also contributed to social cohesion by extending learning beyond the classroom and exposing students to real-world operations.p

Gordon added that the educational field trips were intended to give participants greater insight into how specialised STEM knowledge is applied in professional environments.

Meanwhile, Administrative Support Officer in the Department of Community Service, Darion Renford, encouraged the students to take advantage of the career and entrepreneurial opportunities available to them as they build on the knowledge and skills gained through the camp.

The STEM summer camp forms part of UTech’s ongoing efforts to prepare young people for an increasingly AI-enabled future by strengthening STEM education, expanding digital literacy and fostering innovation among the next generation.