Inspiring Tomorrow’s Engineers

About CampBioE 2.0

CampBioE 2.0 is a dynamic day camp that engages our scholars in the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through intentional mentorship and exposure to cutting edge, hands-on activities related to bioengineering.

This innovative program is designed to

• Inspire and educate the next generation of scientific and medical professionals,
• Develop leaders with backgrounds and perspectives that can identify and serve the needs of all members of our communities, and
• Spark and maintain the students' interest in STEM+ fields as they prepare for future careers in these exciting fields.

We we want our participants to know that the doors to the University of Pittsburgh are open to them at an early age and that we are committed to their successful matriculation and professional careers.

Read more about CampBioE 

2024 Camp Details 

Cost: $500 per scholar per week

The camp registration fee will be waived for scholars on a first come, first serve basis if their household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania. The eligibility guidelines are based strictly on household income and can be found at https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/2013. At the time of registration, scholars will be asked to declare their eligibility status and to provide proof of eligibility once registered.

Dates: July 15, 2024 - Aug 9, 2024

• July 15, 2024 – July 19, 2024: Middle school scholars (6th-8th grade)
• July 22, 2024 – July 26, 2024: High school scholars (9th-12th grade)
• July 29, 2024 – August 2, 2024: Middle/high school scholars (6th-12th grade)
• August 5, 2024 – August 9, 2024: Elementary school scholars (2nd-5th grade)

Times: 9:00AM - 4:00 PM

Ages: Elementary students (starting with 2nd grade), middle school students, and high schoolers up to 12th grade. 

Location: Homewood Community Engagement Center, 622 N Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208

What's New:

CampBioE has been in existence for nearly 15 years, and we have engaged more than 1200 scholars from Western PA and beyond, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for scholars from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. During that time, we have seen many of our participants identify that bioengineering is indeed their career choice, with a number of those students matriculating into our department and then working for some of the very companies that helped to support our programming.

This positive feedback loop has been truly inspiring. To date, however, CampBioE has focused primarily on middle and high school students. Our NEW vision is to adapt our existing CampBioE summer camp program into a pipeline program, CampBioE 2.0. This program will engage scholars starting as young as second grade up through high school, through continued STEM exposure, mentorship, and opportunities that would enable successful matriculation into top STEM universities, including the University of Pittsburgh. 

Camp Leadership and Counselors:

CampBioE 2.0 is led by a cohort of experienced STEM education professionals as well as several Pitt bioengineering undergraduate students who serve as camp counselors for the week. For two months prior to camp, Pitt faculty help the counselors design and develop learning modules that engage the scholars. In addition, the counselors participate in further discussion and exploration by sharing their experiences as college students, including the path they took to get where they are today.

Diversity Initiative:

CampBioE 2.0 is a champion of  diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEM+). We are proud that we have achieved approximately equal participation in terms of gender over the years. Yet, we still face challenges related to the participation of students from ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Please inquire about opportunities for underrepresented/minority (URM) students (defined below) and economically disadvantaged families  by contacting campbioe@pitt.edu.

Definitions by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health: The Higher Education Act defines the term “minority” as an American Indian, Alaskan Native, Black (not of Hispanic origin), Hispanic (including persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central or South American origin), Pacific Islander, or other ethnic group underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

CampBioE 2.0 Leadership