MAGIC (Mentoring a Girl in Construction) Camp introduces high school girls aged 14 or older to trade skill occupations such as carpentry, safety, electrical, and highway construction. This program provides a unique opportunity to learn from women who are already succeeding in these fields. 

• Hands-On Training: Participants engage in practical training and basic construction activities. 
• Site Visits: Students visit project sites and various company and agency offices. 
• Learning Opportunities: The camp covers different modes of transportation and safety practices. 

Camp Details

• Location: Topeka 
• Duration: One week each summer 

Program Activities

• Career Exploration: High school girls learn about career opportunities in construction and transportation fields. 
• Confidence Building: The camp aims to boost students' self-confidence as they explore new career possibilities. 
• Leadership and Team Skills: Activities are designed to help students develop leadership and teamwork skills. 

Special Events

• Guest Speaker: Secretary Calvin Reed will address the students on the final day. 
• Women in Transportation Roundtable: Students can interact with women working in various transportation sectors. 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) Camp introduces middle school students to the opportunities available in STEM with a focus on transportation-related careers. The camp includes all modes of transportation: highway, rail, air, water, and other alternate modes of transportation.

• Hands-On Activities: Students participate in numerous hands-on activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to enhance their understanding of the relationship between these studies and the real world.
• Site Visits: Students have the opportunity to visit a variety of industry partners.
• Career Exploration: Guest speakers from transportation related industries present information to the students.
• Leadership and Team Skills: Activities are designed to develop leadership and teamwork skills.
• Confidence Building: STEM Camp, in some cases, is the first camp the students have experienced. Confidence is gained learning in a new environment with students of a diverse background of abilities and experiences.

Safety is stressed in all aspects of the camp.

Current Camp Locations:

• Washburn University with Washburn Institute of Technology
  • Who: Kansas middle school students.
  • What: Annual 2 week long residential STEM Camp with 50 students. Each week hosts a different group of 25 students.
  • When: Mid-summer, usually in July. 
  • Where: The Washburn University Campus in Topeka, Kansas.
  • Additional Information: Meals and lodging are provided as part of the camp.
• Johnson County Community College
  • Who: Kansas middle school students.
  • What: Annual STEM Camp for 20 students. The Camp is a total of two weeks with one group of students, and is a half-day non-residential program.
  • When: Mid-summer, usually in June.
  • Where: The Johnson County Community College Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.
  • Additional Information: The program may be expanded to other educational facilities, as funding is available. 

The program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration NSTI (National Summer Transportation Institute), and is designed to offer the opportunity to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend this or any other type of camp. Camp is provided at no cost to the students or their families.

For more information or to apply, please contact the Office of Civil Rights. 

If you are an educational institution interested in hosting STEM Camp, learn more:  

• NSTI Solicitation Letter