Registration opens for B-WISER summer camp inspiring STEM interests in young girls

The Buckeye, Women in Science, Engineering, and Research (B-WISER) summer camp will return for summer 2026, offering young girls currently completing grades seven through 10 the chance to explore science-related interests. Hosted by The College of Wooster and funded by The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, B-WISER encourages girls, a minority group within STEM fields, to pursue their interests in science throughout their education and career path by surrounding campers with like-minded peers and engaging them in hands-on experiments in a broad range of scientific disciplines. Campers will complete a daily curriculum with classes in physics, chemistry, biology, geology, engineering, and other advanced topics. Outside of classes, attendees will continue to participate in science-based activities, including hands-on projects and demonstrations in engineering, physics, and chemistry.

The B-WISER summer program will take place from June 15 through 20, 2026, on The College of Wooster campus, hosting girls overnight as they explore the College’s state of the art science labs, participate in daily STEM courses, and attend various seminars. The camp hosts two programs, a middle school program designed for seventh and eighth grade students, and a high school program, catered towards ninth and 10th grade students. B-WISER’s high school program offers a wide range of advanced science topics as well as college-readiness seminars, to help students as they begin the college search process.

“This camp has truly inspired me to go to college and pursue a degree of science.” One prior camper wrote. “The friendships and connections I have made through this camp have been so beneficial for me.”

Founded at the College in 1990 by Lois Cook, former assistant B-WISER camp director, and Ted Williams, former chemistry professor at the College, B-WISER encourages current Wooster students to volunteer at the camp by presenting panel discussions. The all-female camp has encouraged young girls to pursue their interests in science for generations, giving them the confidence and background to continue studying within the field.

The cost for the B-WISER summer camp is $660, and limited scholarships are available. The registration deadline is April 30, 2026. For more information and to enroll, visit the camp website at https://bwiser.spaces.wooster.edu/. Direct questions to Manon Grugel-Watson, physics department lab and science education coordinator at the College, at BWISERcamp@wooster.edu or call 330-263-2105.

Posted in News on February 23, 2026.