LSC-University Park fuels summer youth learning on campus

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College–University Park was buzzing with activity this summer as it welcomed dozens of K–12 students to a variety of educational camps designed for the community. From science and reading to computers and bike safety, the camps offered engaging, age-appropriate experiences that introduced students to new skills and helped strengthen academic foundations in a fun, safe environment.

“We believe our campus should be a place where our young community members not only learn, but explore, connect, and make lasting memories, even in the summer,” said Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D. president of Lone Star College-University Park. “Through each partnership, we’ve been able to open doors to exciting experiences and inspire passions that participants can carry with them into the future.”

That vision was reflected in the broad selection of camps, each providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that encouraged children to get creative and be inspired all while sparking their curiosities.

STEAMotion

Lone Star College-University Park teamed up with Rice University to host STEAMotion, a one-week summer academy inviting students from grades K-8 to engage in hands-on activities across subjects like science, engineering, art and math. Students participated in interactive lessons, developed problem-solving skills and learned from university faculty and guest speakers through project-based learning.

Lions Summer Reading Program

Literacy took center stage in the Lions Summer Reading Program, which welcomed elementary students in grades 3–6 for a week of engaging, low-pressure reading activities. The program was led by LSC-University Park faculty in collaboration with aspiring educators from the college’s Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) program and Teachers2B club. Each college student was paired with a young reader to explore the fundamentals of storytelling, reinforce reading strategies, and storyboard original book ideas, helping participants build confidence and renew their enthusiasm for reading.

Bike Safety and Rodeo Camp

In another effort to support youth development, Harris County Precinct One’s RideONE program hosted a free three-day camp at LSC-University Park. Designed for students in grades 3-5, the camp taught bike riding and safety fundamentals, provided maintenance tips and provided each camper a free helmet.

STEM Camp

Young scientists had a chance to explore topics in space and forensics through Mad Science’s two-session STEM Camp, also hosted on campus. In the “NASA: Academy of Future Space Explorer,” students experienced a day as astronauts, learning more about space and the science behind space travel. In Secret Agent Lab, they used investigative techniques to solve science-based mysteries through sensory observation and analyzing evidence to unravel the thrilling mystery.

Other Camps

LSC-University Park also hosted the Klein ISD Coding Academy and partnered with Texas A&M’s Spark! PK–12 Engineering Education Outreach and CompuDopt for the Industrial STEM Summer Camp. Middle and high school students were introduced to artificial intelligence and STEM concepts through Spark!, while CompuDopt’s “Learn2Earn Camp” provided digital skills, laptop assembly and a free device upon completion.

Photos