Interested in attending the Naval Academy Summer Program with a focus on STEM. What are the STEM opportunities like in the program? Would love to hear from anyone who's been there and taken part in the STEM activities!
The Naval Academy Summer Program offers a unique STEM-focused experience that provides a window into the life and options available at the Academy. You would partake in hands-on activities and explore potential academic pathways in various STEM fields, such as Engineering, Oceanography, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
One notable feature is the Sea Trials, a simulation of ship and fleet engineering in a crisis; it thrusts you into a team problem-solving situation that showcases how Naval STEM fields work in real-life situational context. In addition, there are sessions that tackle cybersecurity, robotics, physics, and other areas, giving you exposure to a broad range of STEM opportunities.
To give you an example, there's a bridge building competition where you design a bridge using provided materials. This activity incorporates principles of Engineering, and demonstrates how the theories you learn in classrooms have practical applications. There's also a drone obstacle course, where you learn about the applications of robotic engineering, not only in the Naval context but also in many other fields like agriculture, disaster response, and others.
Remember, though, while you do get a quality STEM experience, the program is also about getting a taste of Plebe Summer, assuming responsibilities of a Midshipman 4th Class, and understanding the commitment to serving as Naval officers post-graduation. So, balance your interest in STEM with understanding the Naval Academy's mission and being open to exploring the full range of experiences offered in the program.
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