KAUST SR Science Summer Camp

Summer School 2019 - Aquarium Visit
The KAUST Social Responsibility Science Summer Camp was piloted in Summer 2018 and extended in Summer 2019.  Summer 2020 saw the SSC transfer successfully online, with virtual lab experiences, lectures and workshops.

What is it?

  • A three week program during the summer break for Elementary, Intermediate and High School students from Jeddah and our local communities of Thuwal, Qadimah and Saabr, with intended expansion in 2021 to students from other regions of the country.
  • The primary focus is science outreach activities: professors, graduate students, researchers and post-docs create a series of lectures, workshops and field trips. They are from across the university including:
    • Computer, Electrical & Mathematical Sciences & Engineering (CEMSE), Biological & Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE) and Physical Science & Engineering (PSE) Divisions
    • Red Sea Research Centre (RSRC),
    • KAUST Solar Centre,
    • Center for Desert Agriculture (CDA),
    • Visual Computing Centre (VCC),
    • Coastal & Marine Resources Core Lab (CMOR),
    • among others
  • SSC is a holistic program – it also includes science activities, certified English training from the British Council, math classes, social activities with community volunteers including arts, sports, bowling, cinema, dragon boat racing, etc.
  • 2018 – 12 students enrolled;

    2019 – 13 high school students; 18 middle school students;
    2020 – 16 high school students; 16 middle school students and 16 elementary students

  • More than 120 volunteers have contributed their time and skills over the three years, to make this program happen

Why do it?

  • To increase the students’ science and math knowledge, to encourage students already interested in science and technology subjects; to spark an interest in other students; and, to encourage application to KAUST as Masters and PhD Students and the application to Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) and KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP).(The KGSP sponsors Saudi high school graduates to study for bachelor degrees in STEM subjects at university in the US, and then returning to KAUST to complete a Masters and possibly a PhD.)
  • Two particular elements of our founder’s Message speak directly to this program:

It is my desire that this new University become one of the world's great institutions of research; that it educate and train future generations of scientists, engineers and technologists; and that it foster, on the basis of merit and excellence, collaboration and cooperation with other great research universities and the private sector.

               and

In providing a strong foundation for all aspects of life and work in the University, we aim to ensure its success in promoting the economic development and social prosperity of the people of the Kingdom and of the world.

Related News
The Surprising Success of the KAUST SR Science Summer Camp
High School Students Exhibit at WEP 2019
Thuwal High School students' science summer camp leads to three long-term research projects

Further reading