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Partnerships

VIMS (VIRGINIA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCES)Students set out to conduct field research

In coordination with W&M School of Education, VIMS educators provide academically challenging science courses and field experiences for our high school campers. Camp Launch partnering with VIMS would entail two components – two rounds of one-week daytime camps for rising 9th graders each week, and a two-week camp for up to 16 rising 10th graders. The hands on nature of this course gives the campers a great foundation in Marine Science and the research it entails.

Students make adjustments to their Physics project
Students in the Makerspace lab
Physics Department/ W&M Applied Science department (Makerspace Engineering Design)

The William & Mary Physics Department and W&M Applied Science department has given our campers access to the college’s state of the art labs and a curriculum and instruction from current and former students and faculty.  This opportunity has opened the door to more advanced ideas and an introduction to complex lab equipment for our campers.  9th grade students have hands on engineering problem solving experience in Makerspace while 10th grade level students have opportunities to work in a physics lab along with research methods lessons. We hope to continue to grow this partnership in the future.

Geology Department/VIMS

With the goal of expanding Camp Launch to Rising 11th and 12th graders, a new partnership has been established. Professors from the W&M Geology department and VIMS were recently awarded a National Science Foundation grant to develop a predictive framework for which species will survive and which will go extinct over the next few centuries due to profound human-induced climate change. Among many components of the project, Camp Orbit was proposed as a way of extending the pipeline for STEM career interests of 11th and 12th grade students through collaboration with Camp Launch. Camp Orbit will provide educational experiences for five to six Camp Launch alumni per year for the next five years beginning in the summer of 2023.  

District Partners

Charles City Public Schools

Chesapeake County Public Schools

Colonial Heights Public Schools

Fluvanna County Public Schools

Goochland County Public Schools

Hampton City Public Schools

Hanover County Public Schools

Henrico County Public Schools

Isle of Wight County Schools

King and Queen County Public Schools

King George County Public Schools

Mathews County Public Schools

Newport News Public Schools

Norfolk Public Schools

Poquoson City Public Schools

Portsmouth Public Schools

Prince George County Public Schools

Prince William County Public Schools

Richmond Public Schools

Suffolk County Public Schools

Surry County Public Schools

Sussex County Public Schools

Virginia Beach Public Schools

Williamsburg/James City County Public Schools

York County Public Schools