The Dekko Foundation of Kendallville, Ind. has approved a $22,200 grant for Tri-State University’s B.E.S.T. (Bolting into Engineering, Science, and Technology) Camp for a two-year period. The grant will fund the operation of the annual camp, inaugurated at TSU in summer 2002 by Dr. David Finley, now Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The camp exposes students in grades 6-8 to science, technology, and engineering in a fun, hands-on way, and encourages them to seek careers in those areas. Projects centered on civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, computer-aided drafting, chemistry, and material science are explored, and students tour a manufacturing facility. Kids enjoy snacks and a learning adventure with TSU engineering experts. TSU provides transportation from the Fort Wayne area.

Sharon Smith, program director for the Dekko Foundation, said the foundation sees B.E.S.T. Camp as one way to build a positive future for our state. “It’s a way to inspire young people to pursue technical careers, and helps to build the workforce Indiana needs to live and work,” she said. The foundation’s mission is to foster economic freedom through education.

TSU President Dr. Earl D. Brooks II praised the foundation for its vision. “We appreciate the Dekko Foundation’s recognition of B.E.S.T. Camp as a valuable education resource which exposes students in the middle grades to engineering, science, and technology concepts and the possibility of a career in those disciplines,” he said.

Professor John Wagner of the TSU McKetta Department of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering is B.E.S.T. Camp director. “B.E.S.T. Camp is a fun and hands-on camp where middle school age kids learn about the areas of engineering, technology, applied science, and mathematics. Every year the specific activities are different, so campers tend to come back every year they are eligible,” he said. 

This year’s B.E.S.T. Camp is June 16-20 at the Angola campus from 9 a.m.-noon. For more information on registration, call Sue Baker at 260.665.4231 or e-mail her at bakers@tristate.edu.