Over fifty middle-school students recently completed a free NASA summer camp. The summer camp was prepared and presented by Paragon, TEC. Each student engaged in the NASA's Summer of Innovation thematic units of Rocketry, Meteorology and Aviation prepared and presented by Paragon TEC, Inc.

“All of the middle school students eagerly set up the science experiments, met the design challenges and explored the NASA content with great energy and curiosity,” said Gail Dolman-Smith, President and CEO of Paragon TEC, Inc. “Paragon TEC, Inc., a leader in STEM education, is honored to partner with NASA and provide these free STEM Learning Experiences to the children of the Collinwood and Euclid neighborhoods."

Each morning, students from throughout Northeast Shores (but primarily from Euclid and Cleveland) visited VASJ High School and participated in fun, learning activities that taught them core skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The instructors provided direction as attending students worked in teams and individually on a wide range of projects.

"Hosting the NASA Camp at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School was a perfect dovetailing of interests, “ said Brian Menard, President of VASJ High School. “How ideal for us to host a camp that excites students about science and technology, and where better for the camp than at a school featuring a pre-Engineering program as distinct as VASJ's."

Northeast Shores acted as local coordinator for the camp. Northeast Shores was responsible for advertising the free summer camp, accepting applications from interested age-appropriate students and finding a host site that could support the planned activities. Northeast Shores jumped at the chance to have the summer camp at VASJ High School since VASJ already has the appropriate classrooms and laboratories necessary for the camp to be a success.

“This summer camp was a great collaboration between Paragon TEC, VASJ High School, and Northeast Shores,” said Denise Lorek, Community Organizer for Northeast Shores. “Admittedly, this opportunity popped up last minute but the community responded quickly and slots filled quickly. Working with VASJ on hosting was a breeze.”

It is anticipated that this collaboration will continue throughout the school year and next summer as well.