Summer Program Feedback

The club enjoyed hearing from three sources which we provided scholarships to attend this summer. 

We heard from Alyssa, a HS student interested in law, who attended American Legion Auxiliary Michigan Girls State program in June at MSU campus.  The program provides a simulation of local and state government to teach young women about government and public service. The first two days involved instruction on government, while the remaining days focused on simulating government including elections, writing grants, and resolving public issues. Alyssa served as an attorney for her city.  She learned a lot about the bar association, which reinforced her interest in law.  Laken was another participant who enjoyed the opportunity to build connections and felt the program was very well-run and instructive.

We the heard from Samantha, a HS student, who attended Midland State Police Law Enforcement Academy at their Police Training Academy in Lansing.  This is an intensive 5-day program targeted for students interested in a law enforcement career.   Days begin at 5 AM with lights out at 10 PM and are filled with physical fitness, instruction, and specialized sessions on police calls, traffic stops, house raids, police canine work, and forensics. This year’s class included 22 participants of which 7 were young women, with 21 graduating.

Finally, we heard from two teachers, Ally & Allie, who organize the Science, Math, Extravaganza for Kids (SMEK) Camp at SVSU.  Both were involved with this 25 year program as youth and now coordinate the camp.  Local K-12 certified teachers provide hands-on STEM activities for 250 campers across 3 age ranges from Kindergarten to Eighth grade.  Camp themes for this year were “Out of this World” for juniors, “Olympics” for seniors, and “Animals” for littles.  This year Kiwanis sponsored 29 campers.

The club appreciated the feedback!