University of Michigan Young Science Innovators (U-MYScI) is a STEM² (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) educational outreach program dedicated to fostering science and innovation in middle school students. Students from socio-economically underprivileged households are often denied opportunities in STEM² compared to advantaged peers. However, growing up and learning in environments with exposure to leaders and professionals in STEM² careers can greatly improve these students propensity to participate in STEM² fields. Ultimately, U-MYScI aims to help bridge cultural and gender gaps with students from diverse backgrounds and improve their participation in STEM² related careers.

In 2018 and 2019, U-MYScI mentors and staff volunteers from the University of Michigan held a free week-long summer camp for 15 local middle school students. Each day, students conducted experiments and attended field excursions to UM museums and laboratories, which allowed them to explore various themes, such as “Computing Power” and “Environmental Explorations,” and learn from inspirational speakers in STEM². On the last day of camp’s capstone ceremony, students presented on an independent research project they conducted during the week to family and friends; each student also received U-MYScI certificates and awards in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

In 2020 and 2021, U-MYScI pivoted to virtual programming to engage middle school students in a safe manner while also exposing them to different STEM² fields and careers. In 2022, U-MYScI will be shifting back to in-person programming with our Science Saturday Symposiums, which will be a day camp engaging students in a variety of activities centering around health and the body's immune response.

U-MYScI aims to eliminate all barriers to accessing exciting science, which is why we host this camp at no cost to participants! In addition, we provide campers with breakfast and lunch during each day of the camp and can provide transportation if necessary.