Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Receives Funding from Verizon to Expand iTEAMS Summer Camp

HARTSVILLE, S.C., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Verizon Foundation recently awarded the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) $10,000 to support the School's summer camp experience, Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Among Middle Schoolers (iTEAMS). Serving rising 8th and 9th graders in select S.C. counties, iTEAMS offers middle and high school students unmatched opportunities for fun and interactive technology-based learning.

The camp features a team project that allows students to design apps for mobile devices. Other camp components include creating video games and learning the ins and outs of cyber security. Along with its support of iTEAMS, the Verizon Foundation also offers GSSM resources through Thinkfinity.org, an award-winning educational website offering free, engaging resources for teachers and students.

"We are grateful to the Verizon Foundation," said Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM President. "This grant allows us to expand our iTEAMS program, provide more opportunities for young students to explore interests in STEM subjects, and offer enriching learning experiences featuring mobile technology."

GSSM is a public, residential high school for academically motivated 11th and 12th graders from across South Carolina. The School launched iTEAMS in June 2009 in an effort to extend its reach to more Palmetto State students, exposing them to novel opportunities. iTEAMS teaches students skills in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship through a hands-on, team-based curriculum. The four-day camp includes a mentor program and provides students with career exploration opportunities through comprehensive technology discussions.

"We're proud to support this program as it builds long-term value for our community," said, Jerry Fountain, regional president of Verizon Wireless.  "Mobile technology is especially engaging to students.  If used consistently, it can increase student success and interest in STEM subjects."

Many studies have shown that minorities, women and low-income students are underrepresented in the scientific and technical disciplines – a STEM gap.  Over the past 10 years, STEM jobs grew three times faster than non-STEM jobs. To read more about Verizon's work and interest in STEM education, click here or visit http://bit.ly/HnTWaz.

About iTEAMS
iTEAMS campers attend free of charge and can choose from three fun and challenging courses during their time at iTEAMS: Creating Video Games, Creating Mobile Apps and Creating Cyber Security. Participants are led by well-qualified math and technology instructors from South Carolina schools, and are selected based on personal essays, teacher recommendations and interest in computer science, technology and entrepreneurship.  Learn more and access the online application at www.scgssm.org/iteams.

For more information on the South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics, please visit www.scgssm.org.

SOURCE South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics Foundation