News and Events

Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) welcomed more than 90 middle and high school students to campus throughout June and July for a series of hands-on summer camps designed to give students an early look at career fields, college programs, and the skills needed for each.  

Seven camps were offered throughout the summer: Mechatronics, AI & Data Science, Scrubs, Welding, Cybersecurity, Design, and AI & Engineering. Open to students in grades 6−12, the camps gave participants opportunities to step into ATCC's labs and shops, work with equipment and technology, and learn directly from faculty and staff.  

“One of my favorite things about the camps is seeing students get into our shops and actually try things for themselves,” said Amy Haggerty, ATCC Career & Technical Education Coordinator. “It gives them a chance to get a real feel for what these fields are like.” 

That hands-on approach looked different at each camp. Mechatronics campers explored hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electronic, and automation systems, while Welding campers learned basic welding skills and created custom metal projects to take home.  

Students interested in technology had several options. AI & Data Science Camp gave participants opportunities to create apps, explore digital data, build experiments, and work with AI. Cybersecurity campers gained hands-on experience with computer hardware, Python, and Linux, while AI & Engineering Camp challenged students to experiment, create, innovate, and build a battery-powered car. 

Design Camp introduced students to the creative process through a variety of hands-on projects, giving campers opportunities to experiment with ideas, practice their creative problem-solving skills, and bring their imagination to life.  

For those interested in healthcare, Scrubs Camp took students beyond campus as they explored healthcare careers through simulations, team-building activities, and community experiences.   

When asked about her experience, one Scrubs Camp participant said, “This was amazing. All the campers and staff were so nice and helpful. I enjoyed it all, but my favorite thing was the nursing station because it helped me decide what I want to do in the future.”  

Campers toured the LifeLink facility at the Alexandria airport, and each of the camp’s three groups also had the unexpected opportunity to see a LifeLink helicopter take flight from Alomere Health while touring an ambulance.  

“Our faculty are excited about their industries, they engage with the students, and they genuinely enjoy sharing what they know,” Haggerty said. “That enthusiasm and interaction with faculty is something that comes through consistently in the student feedback.”  

The camps were supported by several community partners and funding sources that helped make the experiences available to students.  

AI & Data Science Camp was sponsored in part by the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence. Scrubs Camp received support from Sanford Health Alexandria, Bethany on the Lake, and CentraCare. Cybersecurity Camp was sponsored in part by Gardonville Cooperative Telephone Association, and Design Camp was sponsored in part by the Toni McCartan Memorial Fund.  

Mechatronics and Welding camps were funded through the Perkins V Federal Grant in partnership with Alexandria Technical & Community College, supporting opportunities for students to explore career and technical education programs and related career pathways.  

ATCC thanks the faculty, staff, community partners, and sponsors who helped provide students with these hands-on learning opportunities throughout the summer.