Press Releases

PATCO News & Information - Archives

DRPA Kicks Off Youth Exploration Program at Camden School

Program gives students opportunity to participate in STEAM-focused activities led by DRPA experts

The Delaware River Port Authority recently launched a program that is aimed at introducing local students to the transportation, bridges, engineering and safety industries. The program is a community education initiative that coincides with school STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) programs.

The Youth Exploration Program made its inaugural stop at the Mastery East Camden Charter School on January 29, 2019.

The STEAM-focused activities are conducted by DRPA experts in various fields.

Chief Engineer Michael Venuto was on-hand for the program kick-off at Mastery East Camden Charter School.

“The DRPA owns and operates some of the biggest and iconic structures in the region,” said Venuto. “It's a good opportunity for us to work with local students who see these facilities all the time, and introduce some engineering concepts and get them interested in the STEAM fields.”

The goal of the program is to promote awareness and stimulate the interest in middle and high school students by providing a platform which allows them to explore the transportation, bridges, engineering and safety industry.

The six-week program at Mastery East Camden Charter School is called “Bridges to the Future.” During the six weeks, students will have the opportunity to learn about careers in engineering, build a solar car and participate in a bridge building competition using K'Nex that will be judged.

The program coincides with the school’s recently opened “Makerspace,” a place where students are encouraged to be innovative and creative problem solvers.

The Youth Exploration Program is ongoing and will make stops at several other schools in the area.

[ Return to List ]