Kettering University received a $7,500 grant from the Stella & Frederick Loeb Trust to support two of the University’s pre-college programs: Lives Improve Through Engineering & Science (LITES) and Computer Engineering camps.

LITES is a two-week program that introduces young women, who have completed their junior year of high school, to the ways engineers solve modern-day problems using math, science and technology. They are able to do this while exploring various STEM fields and career opportunities.

“Gifts like these help eliminate the barriers that keep underrepresented students from attending local pre-college programs,” said Cherie Taylor, Program Director of the LITES Program at Kettering. “They also help students participate in Kettering’s residential camps, which provide meals and give high school students an immersive college experience.” 

During the summer, four-day Computer Engineering camps promote hands-on learning and help high school students navigate rapidly evolving fields such as computer engineering, robotics, autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence.

“Doing anything for the first time can be a challenge,” said Stan Page, Associate Director of Admissions at KU and Flint native. “Pre-college programs are a great first step…they help level the playing field between high school graduates and third-generation engineering majors.”

The grant will be used to identify and support students from Genesee County who are interested in attending LITES and pre-college Computer Engineering Camps but may face financial barriers.

“The Stella and Frederick Loeb Trust believes education is important and we’re happy to provide funding for this program,” said Anne Farver, the Vice President and Premier Trust Advisor for The Stella and Frederick Loeb Trust. “The Trustees hope that students will take advantage of the pre-college program to better prepare them for greater success in the future.”

To learn more about precollege programs at Kettering University, visit https://www.kettering.edu/academics/precollege.