An Exploration of Pre-Engineering and the Black Experience
July 10-14, 2023
The Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy is an immersive educational program that explores science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM), as well as the Black experience. The program will take place on the UNH Durham campus this summer, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology and award-winning faculty. It is offered through UNH Tech Camp, which has been providing dynamic, experiential summer programs for middle and high school students for more than a decade. All levels of experience are welcome.
The academy is named after Dinah Whipple, a significant figure in New Hampshire history best known for founding the state’s first school for Black children in Portsmouth circa 1806. The former enslaved New Hampshire native became a leader in the community, advocate for education and an inspiration for future generations.
The Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy is offered at no cost to participants. All skill levels welcome! Space is limited.
Grades 7 - 10
Students in this program will learn about basic engineering principles and disciplines by completing a series of hands-on activities. These activities include building a crane, experimenting with a submarine and creating a water filtration system. Each student will have access to engineering kits and all necessary supplies. Students will get to interact with professional engineers and ask them questions. Along with engineering activities, students will also take a dive into humanities. They will discuss the Black experience in this country, as well as learn the origins of African empires. Students will be introduced to prominent Black figures in American history and get the chance to discuss how their contributions changed our world today.
An important component of the Dinah Whipple Academy and UNH Tech Camp mission is to foster a diverse and inclusive community, providing pre-engineering education to students from all ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. All are encouraged to apply.
APPLY NOW!
For questions or information on registration, please contact Carmela Amato-Wierda, Director of Tech Camp, at ccaw@unh.edu.
The Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy is made possible by Appledore Marine Engineering, LLC’s choosing to dedicate resources to create more of a balance within a system filled with inequities.
Bridging the Diversity Gap
UNH alumna Dzijeme Ntumi is the lead instructor and curriculum designer for the Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy. An engineer for the NH Department of Transportation, Ntumi is committed to bringing more equity and inclusion to STEM education. Read more.
Who Is Dinah Whipple?
Dinah Whipple was a significant figure in NH history best known for founding the state’s first school for Black children. She was also a community leader, advocate for education and an inspiration for future generations. Read more.
Leading by Example
UNH alumnus Aboubacar Konate has overcome many challenges in his life to achieve success as a student and engineer. As a lead instructor in the Dinah Whipple program, he shares not only his expertise in engineering, but also his inspirational personal journey. Read more.