A Program for Students Entering Grades 5-12 | July 21-25, 2025
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, 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. Day and residential options available. The program is free and open to students from all backgrounds.
Summer 2025 Program Information
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.
Building on that legacy, students in this program will learn about basic science and engineering principles and disciplines through explorative hands-on activities. Students will get to interact with professional engineers and peer mentors studying in these fields. Along with engineering activities, students will also take a dive into the 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.
This summer, new and returning DWSA campers will have several project options to choose from. Each has a unique science or engineering focus and all will incorporate discussions on Black history and Black contributions to STEM.
2025 Project Offerings
DWSA Junior Innovators [for students new to DWSA & entering grades 5-7]: This project is designed for a hands-on adventure into physical and biological sciences. During the first two days, campers explore the fundamentals of engineering by designing and building real-world structures—think bridges, buildings, dams, and flood defense systems. Then, on days three and four, they’ll dive into the basics of biology through engaging experiments and interactive activities in biological technologies. Campers will even get the chance to visit UNH labs for an up-close look at cutting-edge science in action. This program is ideal for students entering grades 5-7 who are new to DWSA and want an inspiring introduction to hands-on STEM learning!
DWSA Tech Trailblazers and DWSA STEM Scholars [for returning DWSA students OR students entering grades 8 & above]
- Project 1 - Microbes and Fermentation: Did you know that tiny microbes help make some of your favorite foods—like bread, yogurt, and even pickles? In this week-long camp, you’ll uncover the science behind bacterial fermentation and how it powers everything from our digestive system to sustainable energy. We’ll explore how microbes help (and sometimes harm) our bodies, how they transform food, and even how they’re used in environmental science. Whether you’re into biology or food science, or just love experimenting with cool ideas, this camp will open your eyes to the hidden world of microbes and their surprising superpowers!
- Project 2 - Sustainable Infrastructure: What do long highways, beautiful bridges, towering skyscrapers and complex water systems all have in common? Have you ever wondered how they were designed and built? In this project, campers will explore the wonder of infrastructure – the constructed environment that shapes our world – through exciting, hands-on projects. Learn about structural integrity by designing and building some of the strongest and most sustainable towers, then test your creations and explore the principles of load-bearing and material science. Campers will also uncover the science behind clean water access by purifying their own water, experimenting with different filtration methods and understanding the importance of water quality. Through teamwork, creative problem-solving, and engaging challenges, campers will experience the excitement of real-world engineering and innovation by building, experimenting, and exploring their way to a deeper understanding of how the world around them is made.
- Project 3 - Smart Tech & Weather Wonders: In this project campers will explore the exciting world of Electrical and Computer Engineering through hands-on projects designed to teach about real-world technology solutions to everyday problems. Participants will learn engineering principles, coding fundamentals, and scientific inquiry by building a Smart Traffic Light System and a Weather Station. The traffic light project will involve designing circuits, programming microcontrollers, and incorporating sensors, while the weather station project will focus on integrating sensors, collecting and analyzing weather data, and visualizing data. Through these projects, students will develop coding and problem-solving skills, experience the engineering design process, and gain a deeper understanding of how technology is used to solve problems in the real world. No prior coding experience required.
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.
Representation Matters: NH Doctoral Students Share Expertise and Insight
As the Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy continues to grow, Tech Camp is leveraging the expertise of doctoral students from the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences to help lead programs, share their expertise and mentor students.
This past summer, Stella Ansah, King-James Egbe and Femi Olugbon joined the Dinah Whipple team to work with students in grades 8-10. All hail from western Africa and share a passion for STEM education and inspiring young Black students to pursue careers in science and engineering.
“Representation matters,” says Ansah, a native of Ghana who is studying electrical and computer engineering. “All STEM fields benefit from diverse perspectives. Having people of color, especially in rooms where design decisions are being made, allows them to bring their unique lived experiences to the table.”
“Programs like Dinah Whipple play a vital role in breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for underrepresented students to excel in STEM-related fields,” adds Olugbon, a native of Nigeria also studying electrical and computer engineering. “It's not only about education but also about empowerment and creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.”
Over the course of the weeklong program, a variety of science and engineering topics were covered through hands-on activities, collaborative projects and demonstrations. One memorable exercise had the students brainstorm ideas on how to use smart technology to assist individuals with disabilities. They also got a chance to express their creativity through painting exercises and learn about the Black experience and African American history.
Ansah, Egbe and Olugbon all agree that the Dinah Whipple program provides a fertile learning environment for students. “It was fascinating to set the stage for the students and witness their curiosity and creativity blossom,” says Egbe, a native of Nigeria who is studying civil engineering. “It was even more rewarding to observe them develop a newfound appreciation for STEM.”
Olugbon agrees: “The reaction from the students was incredibly positive and enthusiastic. They showed a genuine interest in STEM concepts and were eager to explore and learn. Their curiosity was infectious, and it was rewarding to see them engage with the material and ask insightful questions.”
