STEM Achievers summer program: Free technology camp held in Brandon

June 30, 2026 - 18:52

Middle school students in Brandon recently completed a free three-week technology camp hosted at the Hillsborough College Brandon campus. The program culminated with students presenting their own original amusement park designs, showcasing what they learned through an intensive curriculum focused on coding, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence tools.

The STEM Achievers summer program was designed to give young learners hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment. Over the three weeks, participants moved beyond basic computer skills and into practical applications of advanced tools. They used coding languages to program interactive elements, explored virtual reality to visualize their ride concepts, and employed AI to refine design logic and user experience.

Organizers emphasized that the camp aimed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world tech careers. By asking students to build a complete amusement park from scratch, the program encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking. Each final presentation included a walkthrough of the park's layout, the mechanics of individual rides, and the code that made them function.

For many of the students, this was their first exposure to how AI and VR can be used in engineering and design. The free nature of the camp removed financial barriers, allowing a diverse group of young people to access skills that are increasingly important in the modern workforce. The program's success in Brandon has sparked interest in expanding similar offerings to other locations in the future.