C-STEM was honored to partner with Booker T. Washington High School this past week to deliver the Taliaferro Engineering Magnet Bridge Camp, held July 28–30, for incoming 9th graders and rising 10th graders. Designed to spark curiosity and build academic confidence, the hands-on camp introduced students to STEM through a dynamic, project-based learning experience powered by C-STEM’s Innovation & Robotics Prototype Toolkits.
Throughout the three-day camp, students had the opportunity to:
Participate in collaborative team-building challenges
Explore the school’s rich history and engineering traditions
Strengthen presentation and communication skills
Build a foundation in Algebra I through targeted prep activities
Learn about magnet program expectations and student success strategies
For more than a decade, this bridge camp has prepared incoming freshmen to excel in Algebra I—a key milestone for success in the school’s engineering magnet pathway. This year, the camp also welcomed rising 10th graders who were unable to attend last year due to the disruption caused by Hurricane Beryl.
“Incoming 9th grade students strengthened their Algebra I skills—either in preparation for the course or, for 10th graders, as a refresher before advancing to Algebra II—and gained early exposure to project-based learning and engineering design strategies,” said Dr. Valencia (Dutton) Hall, Assistant Principal at Booker T. Washington High School and The High School for the Engineering Professions. “They also had a chance to meet fellow classmates before the first day of school, easing their transition into high school.”
New this year, 10th grade students also developed advanced design and presentation skills while learning to assemble and operate robots—laying the foundation for deeper engagement in future STEM coursework and competitions.
Dr. Hall, a former C-STEM competition teacher, saw firsthand the academic growth students experienced through these challenges. She emphasized that the partnership with C-STEM was a natural fit given the school’s campus-wide initiative focused on solar energy and C-STEM’s emphasis on alternative energy themes in its curriculum.
“We needed a flexible curriculum that our teacher could adapt to introduce students to STEM in a creative, innovative way,” said Dr. Hall. “These toolkits elevate our students’ critical thinking through rigorous challenges, and we’re especially grateful that they come fully equipped with materials we otherwise couldn’t afford—this has already made a meaningful impact on our campus.”
This immersive experience introduced students to the possibilities of STEM, built confidence, and laid a strong academic foundation—exemplifying how C-STEM continues to equip the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
