Dr. Calvin W. Gale had an experience with his son many years ago that led him to design what would one day become the Summer Youth Programs at Michigan Technological University. His son was interested in a specific career, and Dr. Gale watched him spend time finding information and bring books home to research. He thought, wouldn’t it be nice for other students to have an opportunity to research careers but also be introduced to concepts, functions and challenges of various fields during the summer? Dr. Gale then approached Ray W. Smith, President of Michigan Tech, regarding all the resources on campus not being used during the summer and his idea for engagement.
So, in the fall of 1972, Youth Programs was born, with the first summer of programming
launching in June 1973. Some of the first explorations offered that summer included
Isle Royale Ecology, Orienteering and Mountaineering, Bicycling Biology and Geology,
Computer Science, Bridge Design, and Metallurgy.
10 years later, Christine S. Anderson, a biology teacher with a vibrant smile, took
over coordinating the Summer Youth Programs. Mrs. Anderson had a passion for providing
access to underrepresented students and began adding programs such as Explorations
in Engineering and the Minority College Access Program. She used her skills as a writer
to approach corporations and state and federal funding organizations, eventually building
the Educational Opportunity department around Youth Programs.
From our first summer with 517 participants and 24 explorations, we now reach over 1,100 participants a summer and offer 50+ explorations for students completing grades 6-11. Today, students travel from over 30 US states and 10+ countries to participate in our explorations each summer. Although our program has grown, our mission has never changed: we still strive to help students learn new skills and explore potential careers in a relaxed and hands-on way.
We are proud to offer students an opportunity to experience a miniature version of college life. Students live in our full-service residence hall, eat in the dining hall, and participate in their chosen exploration. In the evening, students have time to relax and participate in many different supervised recreational activities, taking advantage of Lake Superior, waterfalls, hiking trails and exploring nature in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan.