Camp G.O.A.L.S.

History

The Beginning

Camp G.O.A.L.S. stands for Greater Opportunities Advancing Leadership and Science for Girls. Funded by the Motorola Solutions Foundation, Camp G.O.A.L.S. began in 2008 as G.O.A.L.S. for Girls- Propel Yourself Forward, a partnership with four Young Women Leadership Schools in New York City. The program focused on providing five 8th grade student classes and participating math and science teachers with Intrepid-focused hands-on, inquiry-based activities and lessons. As enrichment to the program two Youth Leadership Conferences were held aboard the Intrepid for the entire 8th grade class from all four schools. The Conference provided the students with the opportunity to speak with and hear from influential women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. Many distinguished women volunteered to serve as mentors, including professors and graduate students from Mercy College, Columbia University, Brooklyn College, CUNY and St. Francis College, to name a few institutions.

The success of the 2008 G.O.A.L.S. program propelled the Motorola Solutions Foundation to increase impact and expand the opportunity for additional girls to be engaged in the sciences. Therefore, Camp G.O.A.L.S. for Girls was created as a 4-week summer science program for rising 7th and 8th grade female students. Through the completion of the competitive application and interview process, 40 female students from high-needs/low-income neighborhoods attending New York City Title I public schools attended the first Camp G.O.A.L.S. for Girls in 2009. This 4-week summer program immersed the girls in various STEM-related activities, engaged in field trip to educational institutions throughout New York City, provided the opportunity to meet and speak with influential women in the sciences and culminated with an overnight stay aboard the Intrepid Museum.

Camp G.O.A.L.S. for Girls, Mission

The mission of the Camp G.O.A.L.S. for Girls program is to build proficiency in math and science skills while drawing on resources from the Intrepid Museum exhibits, visits with partner educational institutions and meetings with female scientists and professionals from the STEM fields. Camp G.O.A.L.S. fosters curiosity and inspires female students to explore the sciences and realize the possibilities of STEM career paths.

The Continuation of Success

Camp G.O.A.L.S. for Girls has continued to be a program that is popular among female student participants, their parents and education professionals. Since 2009, Camp G.O.A.L.S. has broadened its scope by encouraging rising 9th and 10th grade girls from NYC public schools to participate in 6 weeks of academic enrichment through engaging, hands-on activities and fieldtrips. Over the past 4 years, the Camp program has impacted approximately 150 middle and high schools girls and their families and worked with over 200 colleges and universities, corporations, education professionals and NYC Department of Education, public schools.

The program has expanded to include year-long experiences for Camp alumnae, family and friends. Through chosen Saturday/Sunday afternoons at the Intrepid, educators continue to provide exciting and innovative programming in the STEM disciplines for the “G.O.A.L.S. community.” Additional opportunities are also provided, such as college readiness workshops, college fairs and summer jobs and internships.