• Monday, June 14, 1-4 p.m., Peoria Riverfront (outside and socially distanced)
• Wednesday, June 16, 1-3 p.m., virtual 
• Monday, June 21, 1-3 p.m., virtual
• Wednesday, June 23, 1-3 p.m., virtual
• Monday, June 28, 1-3 p.m., virtual

Fee $50 (fee waivers available)

For youth entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

Have you wondered what it would be like to work in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) field in the Greater Peoria area? Women leaders in Peoria's manufacturing, technology, and education sectors are working together to coordinate the sixth 4G (G+ Games + Gadgets = Genius) STEM Camp. 4G STEM Camp for youth going virtual this year and will consist of one face to face orientation and kit pick-up session on June 14, with four virtual sessions following on June 16, June 21, June 23, and June 28. The camp is aimed at overcoming barriers for youth getting involved with STEM.

Partners include University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit, Bradley University Center for STEM Education, and Caterpillar. This is one of the many positive youth development opportunities offered within the 4-H program.

The best opportunity to quickly grow the STEM workforce is to increase the percentage of __________ entering the STEM education pipeline. Studies show the middle school years are particularly important in the formation of career goals. Experiences and memories forged in middle school have the potential to motivate and structure the high school and college years ahead. A middle schooler with a strong sense of commitment and direction has the opportunity to take the classes and earn the grades to enter college in the STEM major of their choice.

The camp is typically designed around site visits to Peoria area businesses and this year those visits will be virtual!  Learn about personal protective equipment (PPE) from Society of Women Engineers while building a birdhouse and learning about careers at Caterpillar, explore labs at Illinois State University while learning about Pennycress and cover crops research, explore biology careers with Bradley faculty in doing lab activities, as well as dissection, and explore JUMP Simulation and the Peoria Riverfront through landscape architecture and sculpture walk activities. 

Successful people working in STEM careers will provide an orientation to their work, including the skills, technologies, and strategies used to excel in their jobs. They will also engage in activities that demonstrate what it would be like to be in these STEM career fields, as well as learn the skills that will be essential to their future employment. Camp experiences ignite a spark of possibility within the participants and help open their minds to creative and fulfilling careers in central Illinois.

Overarching goals for 4G STEM Camp

• Youth understand STEM career opportunities that exist in central Illinois.
• Youth develop an interest in STEM and STEM learning activities.
• Youth develop knowledge and skills needed to actively engage in STEM learning activities.
• Youth understand how they can use STEM to solve everyday problems.

Additional forms required for participation can be downloaded here:

4G STEM Camp Required Forms

Registration fee $50.  |  If you need financial assistance to attend 4G STEM Camp, please complete the fee waiver form.

For more information, contact:

University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit

Peoria County Branch Office

4810 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61614

Phone 309-685-3140