The 2024 Summer Physics Camp for Young Women returned to its venue at New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe from June 10 to 21. Now in its eighth year, the free, two-week camp served 34 New Mexican students who came from 15 different school districts, a range that was made possible by the camp offering free residential accommodations for the first time.
The camp welcomed applications from students across New Mexico, and the selected students came from the counties of Santa Fe, San Miguel, San Juan, Otero, Rio Arriba, Bernalillo, Los Alamos, Sandoval and Lea. The camp is open to all applicants who are in middle or high school and have completed algebra 1, but emphasizes populations who are underrepresented in STEM fields.
"This camp aims to expose students to a variety of activities to show them that STEM is creative and fun, and to empower them with the tools and connections to succeed," said Anna Llobet, the camp founder and co-organizer. "The volunteer scientists, engineers, technical and professional staff act as role models, share their career paths and convey their genuine interest in the students’ success."
Around half the students took advantage of the free residential option, allowing the camp to reach attendees who would be unable to commute to Santa Fe every day.
"This was a unique opportunity for students from several Native American communities (Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache, Mescalero Apache) and students from locations as far as Mescalero, Aztec, Farmington, Alamogordo, Mayhill and Hobbs," Llobet said. "The residential option also allowed our cohort from Hilo in Hawaii to join in person, supported by the Department of Education of Hawaii and the unwavering support of the Hawaii Science and Technology Museum. This promoted more integration between the students and more collective sharing of our cultures."