This immersive experience mixes STEM concepts with real world sports applications to create a practical and practical learning environment. The Academy is open up to students from 9th, 10th and 11th year of all horizons and levels of interest. No sports or previous STEM experience required. The objective is simple: to make the STEM accessible, relatable and fun for any student who loves sport and who is curious to know how science and technology shape the games they love.
“This initiative gives life to the rod in the dynamic world of sports,” said Salatha Willis, director of Associate Athletics of Syracuse for community and student-athlete engagement. “The Academy is designed to arouse curiosity, engage young minds and ignite a lasting passion for science and technology. By combining interactive STEM activities with the energy of athletics, students will experience the joy of learning in a way that is both exciting and significant.”
In the summer of 2024, the University of Syracuse hosted three one -day STEM Co -Co -Co -Co -education sessions at the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, welcoming 50 students per session, including a session exclusively for young women. The results were clear: when the STEM is taught through the objective of sports, students retain more information and show a greater desire to learn. Above all, the inclusive design assured that all the students – impeccable of their history – can participate and benefit.
“From helmets in football, hockey and technology butt behind the tablets used by Syracuse coaches, STEM is deeply woven in sports fabric to improve performance and ensure the safety of athletes,” said Robert Simmons, vice-president of American social impact and community commitment to National GRID. “Our partnership with Syracuse University Athletics and the College of Engineering and Computer Science gives me great confidence that students participating in the STEM of the Sports Academy will not only deepen their understanding of the STEMs, but also begin to see clear ways towards exciting careers on the ground.”
Based on this success, the STEM of the Sports Academy 2025 will develop considerably, with plans to initiate up to 1,000 students through several day sessions at the Lelly Athletics complex. Registration will be managed in partnership with local school districts, with Syracuse Athletics working directly with certain districts to coordinate participation.
New this year, the University of Syracuse will also launch the second part of the STEM of the Sports Academy: a STEM STEM course of Sports without a week credit as part of the University’s summer college program. Seeing the rise of students from 10th and 11th year, this residential experience offers participants the possibility of taking a college level course through the College of Engineering and Computer Science, live on the campus and participating in academic events focused on STEM and innovation.
“Micron is committed to helping students to see themselves as part of the future of the technological industry,” said Kami Faylor, director of social impact and community engagement, North America in Micron. “By connecting STEM education to the world of sport, this program shows students how Stem is part of their daily life as sports fans or athletes. Using this intersection of athletics and education, the STEM of the Sports Academy is an innovative mixture of learning and play that allows students to acquire STEM skills, which equipped them with the tools they need to prosper in the technical world of tomorrow.”
The STEM Study Program of the Sports Academy was developed by Cindy Smith, assistant teaching professor of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Syracuse. Its innovative approach guarantees that students grasp not only STEM concepts but also see their real applications in the context of sport, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation for the two disciplines.
Smith brings a wealth of expertise in sports engineering to the development of the Stem of Sport Academy program. With a deep understanding of the intersection between sports and technology, Professor Smith devotes himself to making STEMs accessible and engaging for young minds by taking advantage of their passion for sport as a gateway to learning.
“This program opens the door to the rod by channeling energy and excitement for sport,” said Smith.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science of Syracuse is recognized nationally for excellence in teaching and research, balancing its commitment to excellence in education, engineering and computer science with the role of leadership it plays in the exploration of emerging and innovative technologies.
National GRID is an energy delivery company serving more than 2.3 million customers in New York State. One of the company’s priorities is to develop a workforce ready to design the future of energy through investments at community level in STEM education programs and experiential learning.
Micron plans to invest $ 100 billion in advanced memory in the next 20 years and more in the center of New York, creating nearly 50,000 jobs. Since the announcement of the Micron project, the company has worked with educational establishments, labor development professionals and community organizations to help extend the rich regional talent swimming pool to prepare and form a highly skilled workforce.
For requests for information and registration details, contact Salatha Willis (swillej@syr.edu).