LSU "eXploreCS" Camps Inspire Future Technology Leaders Through Hands-On Summer Learning

The LSU Division of Computer Science & Engineering once again hosted its popular eXploreCS summer camps June 1-12, giving middle and high school students an opportunity to explore computer science, cybersecurity, robotics, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies through immersive, hands-on experiences.

The camps are designed to introduce students to the rapidly growing world of computing and STEM while building confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills in a collaborative learning environment.

Since launching in 2019, the eXploreCS program has been led by Nash Mahmoud and Adrienne Steele, who have worked to expand access to technology education for students across Louisiana. In recent years, LSU Chevron Center Student Support Coordinators Jessica Wagner and Jamie Hamilton have helped facilitate camp logistics.

The camps include “eXploreCS Junior High” for rising seventh through ninth grade students and “eXploreCS High School” for rising 10-12 grade students.

Mahmoud developed the camp curriculum to provide students with engaging, project-based experiences in Python programming, Arduino robotics, circuits and sensors, algorithms, video game development, cybersecurity, ethical hacking and artificial intelligence. Graduate and undergraduate LSU students also serve as mentors throughout the camps, helping participants learn new technical skills while gaining exposure to college-level STEM education.

 

“The goal of eXploreCS is to make computing accessible, exciting and approachable for students at an early age,” Mahmoud said. “We want students to see that computer science is creative, collaborative and connected to solving real-world problems.”

The camps are supported by Louisiana Economic Development, which helps provide partial scholarships for students with financial need. Since the camps began, nearly one-quarter of participants have received financial assistance to attend.

Beyond the classroom experience, program organizers say one of the most rewarding outcomes has been watching former campers continue into STEM education pathways. Of the 118 students who have participated in one of these camps, nearly 40% have gone on to pursue degrees at LSU with more than 75% of them pursuing STEM degrees such as computer science, engineering and physics. Several former campers have already graduated from LSU with STEM degrees, including graduates from computer science and physics programs.

“The long-term impact of these camps has been incredible to see,” Steele said. “Students who first discovered coding or robotics through eXploreCS are now returning to LSU as STEM majors and future technology professionals. This is a direct result of the engaging program developed by Dr. Mahmoud.”

Of these students, 78% are majoring in a STEM field, mainly computer science. Five former campers have graduated from LSU with a STEM degree, three of those being in computer science.

The eXploreCS camps reflect LSU’s continued commitment to expanding STEM outreach opportunities and building the next generation of innovators, researchers and technology leaders across Louisiana.