This June marks Pioneer GEAR UP's second operation of Space & Technology Bootcamp, which is partnered with LIGO Hanford Observatory.  30 students are engaged in learning about the mysteries of our universe.  In order to better understand the functions of LIGO, a physics driven research center, students are learning the basics behind LIGO operations: circuits, data analysis, and computer programming.  Students are working towards a culminating presentation at the end of this ten day camp, during which they will present their findings to LIGO's research scientists.

On May 15th, students from Glenwood traveled to The Dalles, OR to visit Columbia Gorge Community College. They each received a nice carry pack with the college logo, filled with information about admissions and the programs offered at CGCC. The group listened to presenters from the Admissions/Student Services departments before they split up for a guided tour of campus.

While on tour, students visited the Health Occupations Lab where they had the chance to take the “patient’s” pulse, listen for a heartbeat, learn about the training dummies, how nursing students are monitored and saw the technology equipment used during observation. The tour also included a visit to the Renewable Energy Department, where they heard about the training of windmill technicians. Columbia Gorge is one of three training facilities for this occupation in the U.S. The job placement is extremely high, with some employers hiring students before they even graduate. Students had a great time, with one student saying they thought they might change their educational plans to become a windmill tech instead.

On Thursday, May 22, Nathaniel Huffman and his family, along with Site Director, Kassandra Watson, and tutor, Linda Ames, traveled to Tri-Cities to compete in the regional 8th grade projects competition. Each GEAR UP site from the surrounding areas came armed with their top students ready to present their career presentation to an audience of family members, friends, and GEAR UP Staff. It was one of Huffman’s first experiences as a public speaker and nerves were high. Each student who came to the competition added their own twist to their presentations. We are very proud of Huffman’s performance and hope to see him come forward on many more occasions.