STEM Opportunities and Highlights at Grand Canyon University

At GCU, we’re committed to developing highly skilled future professionals for the fastest-growing fields in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Our dynamic new engineering, computer science and information technology programs are designed to help meet the needs of the rising STEM workforce dominating our world today.

In addition to degree programs and robust curricula, GCU offers various STEM opportunities, including scholarships, summer camps for hands-on experiences and challenging team events, such as the STEM Ultimate Showdown and AzHOSA competitions.

The following highlights ways students can explore a future in STEM fields and celebrates outstanding 2014-15 student achievements in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET).

STEM Scholarships

GCU offers $1,000 STEM scholarships per academic year for students interested in an engineering or technology program. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualified applicants must be admissible to GCU and enroll in one of our computer science (CS), information technology (IT) or engineering programs.

STEM Summer Camps

We’re passionate about encouraging students to explore opportunities in growing STEM fields, even outside of the classroom at an early age. At GCU, middle and high school students can learn about how STEM integrates into daily life by participating in STEM Summer Camps at the GCU Phoenix campus.

STEM Summer Camps challenge students to solve problems and create new innovations, engage students with hands-on activities and motivate students to pursue STEM-related opportunities.

One-of-a-kind experiences await at any the following STEM Summer Camps:

• STEM Futures is designed to provide high school students with a glimpse into what STEM professionals do during their daily jobs.
• (June 8-11, 2015 or July 13-16, 2015)
• STEM Experiences creates fun and challenging STEM experiences for middle school students, encouraging them to think outside the box.
• (June 15-18, 2015)
• Girls in STEM exposes middle and high school girls to STEM career opportunities in a fun and comfortable environment.
• (June 22-25, 2015)

Ultimate STEM Showdown

The Ultimate STEM Showdown challenges teams of four high school students (and one teacher or sponsor) to design a winning apparatus for the College of Science, Engineering and Technology labs. Teams will also present and answer questions about their design. Finalists will be required to present their project at GCU’s Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology Day on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015.

The top prize includes $2,500 scholarships for students, a $10,000 grant for the team’s school provided by GCU and more!

• Registration opens online: July 27,2015
• Deadline to register online: Aug. 24, 2015

STEM Student Achievement Highlights

It’s been a successful first year for the College of Science, Engineering and Technology marked by noteworthy student achievements ― including many accomplishments facilitated beyond the classroom curriculum. Despite the rigorous and challenging nature of the work, students exhibited an incredible degree of enthusiasm, excitement and engagement.

Student achievements during the first semester include:

• Innovative Computing (iC) Club formation
• Brinkster field trip
• Launched code clinics
• GCU CloudLab pilot with iC Club

Student achievements during the second semester include:

• Internship placements
• iC Club project initiatives
• Configured and deployed Windows cloud-based servers and SQL Server relational database for GCU CloudLab – Academic Cloud Computing Laboratory
• Developed Python programming proficiency (15 programs)
• Configured dual operating system (Windows & Linux) for personal computer
• Industry expert Q&A presentation forums

GCU AzHOSA

Grand Canyon University Arizona Health Occupations Student Association – Future Health Professionals (GCU AzHOSA) helps prepare students pursuing a career in health care and/or a health care degree for graduate school. As the largest pre-health organization on campus for CSET majors, GCU AzHOSA also provides leadership, volunteering, internship and networking opportunities.

In early April, a team of 19 biology students won nine gold, eight silver and two bronze medals at the AzHOSA state competition in Tucson. First-place students earned top honors in Pathophysiology, Medical Innovations, Biomedical Laboratory Science/Health Care Issues, Forensic Medicine, Medical Terminology, Nursing Assistant and Physical Therapy. GCU’s chapter will head to nationals June 24-27 in Anaheim, Calif.

Interested in joining? Visit our website for details or contact us today by clicking the Request More Information button at the top of the screen!

About College of Science, Engineering and Technology

The College of Science, Engineering and Technology offers degree programs that prepare students for high-demand professions in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. With an emphasis on Grand Canyon University’s Christian worldview, our college believes in instilling social awareness, responsibility, ethical character and compassion. Our blog, Brain STEM, focuses on topics related to science, engineering and technology, with engaging contributions from students, staff and faculty. On the blog, you can find helpful resources relating to STEM fields and learn more about current events occurring globally, locally and within GCU. We hope to provide our readers with information that helps them learn about the necessary knowledge, skills and mental disciplines to succeed in today’s job market.