Sarsef-Southern Arizona Research Science And Engineering Foundation

Camps SARSEF offers two types of summer camp programming: SARSEF Summer STEM Camps where 4th-8th grade students attend sites across Tucson to explore STEM through hands-on activities. Each week of camp centers around a different theme from topics as broad as STEM exploration to more specific subjects like desert ecology! 129 students were served in FY 23-24. Applied Career Exploration in STEM (ACES) Camp for Girls is a week-long summer camp for middle school girls. In July 2023, two ACES Camps were held, serving 75 students from Sunnyside, Tucson, and Amphitheatre Unified School Districts. The camp is designed to explore a wide variety of careers, provide a path to potential success, and lay a foundation for STEM identity in higher education and beyond. ACES facilitates teamwork, use of technology, and hands-on learning, while giving students a feel for the college experience at a critical time in their lives.

Racing the Sun Racing the Sun is an opportunity for Arizona high school students to team up to design, build and race electric and solar-powered go-karts. Working with teachers, mentors and industry professional advisors, students spend nine months preparing for Race Day. Along the way, they apply the principles of physics, engineering, and energy. Through collaborative efforts with school sites and educators, race teams solve real-world problems, using mathematical, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Students work in teams and are challenged to translate their ideas into a working prototype and build leadership excellence skills. During the 2023-2024 school year, 116 students and 15 faculty advisors from 10 schools participated with the help of community mentors providing direct support as needed.