BZI announced today that the SUU/BZI Youth Engineering Academy, a partnership involving Southern Utah University and Southwest Technical College, continues to grow and impact students interested in engineering and STEM subjects. BZI has signed a new sponsorship agreement to support the program for an additional three years.
Since the program began in the summer of 2023, the academy has reached more than 2,500 students and offers 37 classes across eight weeks of camp. The curriculum has expanded to include subjects like welding, automotive, public safety, and health professions. This year, art was also integrated into chemistry, biology, and engineering courses.
Participating students engaged in activities including building robots, rockets, 3D printing, manufacturing, laser cutting, and computer programming. Female students represented more than 34% of participants, a figure Laurel Dodgion, Assistant Director of Southern Utah University STEM Center for Teaching and Learning, noted is higher than the current number of women in several categories of U.S. STEM workplaces.
Laurel Dodgion stated that the participation and experiences provide positive future possibilities for students in engineering, STEM, and the construction and trade industries. She expressed excitement regarding the growth and success of this year's academy.
Spencer Douglas, Chief Marketing Officer at BZI, said the academy is driven by a desire to foster excitement and future innovators in STEM fields. He noted that the program brings growth opportunities to students and families while helping to increase future engineering talent in the marketplace.
Megan Lamb, Director of Community Engagement at BZI, said the academy helps the company achieve goals of creating high-value opportunities and building thriving communities, providing long-lasting benefits to students and STEM industries.
The academy is part of BZI's national Community Contributions Program, which focuses on STEM and family wellness. The program aims to support projects that contribute to the betterment of communities through education, literacy, humanitarian causes, health and wellness, and vocational development.
