Shemitz continues summer STEM academy at SoundWaters
For many low-income children in Connecticut, summer isn't a time filled with fun trips to the beach or chances to learn. This often leads to something called "summer slide," as they kids lose some of the gains they made while in school.
Two years ago, Stamford Public Schools partnered with SoundWaters to develop a summer camp that could address this problem.
The Summer STEM Academy was born. The program incorporates sailing, canoeing and beach exploration as a way to engage kids and keep their minds active, according to Leigh Shemitz, president of SoundWaters, a non-profit that works to educate people about the Long Island Sound.
"It's a lot of fun, it's a lot of challenge, and they become a very powerful and empowered group of kids who get very excited about their identity about learning, about science, about Long Island Sound,” Shemitz said.