Birmingham-area high school students took over the halls and classrooms of the UAB Collat School of Business recently as part of the university’s inaugural CampBIZ.
The weeklong day camp, funded by a UAB Faculty Development Grant and the business school, featured active-learning workshops and sessions designed to help students improve their business acumen and prepare for the transition to college.
More than 20 students participated in the June 10-14 camp, which included workshops on everything from communication and business research to entrepreneurship and leadership, taught by UAB business professors and some of Birmingham’s top business leaders.
“Throughout the week, high schoolers had access to UAB Collat classrooms, technologies, resources, and instructors,” said Alicia Clavell McCall, a business communications professor at UAB Collat and camp director. “They also had the opportunity to connect and network with Birmingham business experts to actively learn, practice business basics, and build fundamental skills and career confidence.”
Students were encouraged to think critically about the business of business through fun, innovative workshops such as Business and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance with Samuel Thompson, Ph.D.; Wizarding and Superhero Leadership Academy with Annetta Dolowitz, Ph.D.; Entrepreneurship and Innovation with Patrick Murphy, Ph.D.; and The Perfect Pitch by Andreia Stechmann and Rita Stewart-Hampton. Students got to practice their “elevator” pitches during rides on the school’s elevators!
Birmingham business experts also lent their expertise to the camp. Salaam Green, Birmingham’s inaugural poet laureate and UAB Medicine Artist-in-Residence; Christopher Davis, host of the Moth Radio Hour; and Hillary Mason, a UAB graduate student and author of the children’s book A is for Arrington, all spoke at camp sessions. Mason even brought special guest Richard Arrington, Jr. to speak with students.
“The skills these students were learned will contribute to successful outcomes such as high school graduation, university readiness and retention, career preparedness, university graduation, and greater connection to community,” McCall said.
The workshop concluded with a capstone project and poster presentation by the students, followed by an awards banquet with family, friends, and supporters.
Students gave the camp high marks on their exit surveys.
“The camp gave us a real opportunity to learn about business and entrepreneurship using fun activities.”
“It was a ton of fun! I really enjoyed the speakers, and the atmosphere has been very welcoming.”
“This is such a great opportunity. This camp will definitely get you out of your comfort zone. I have enjoyed learning, laughing and growing with all these amazing students and hope to do this again!”