#Code_IT Campers learn to build and program robots with focus on Artificial Intelligence
02
July
2024
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18:07 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Texas Workforce Commission keeping eye on competitive future by supporting DMC’s coding camp with $23K grant to encourage youth to pursue computer science and other high-tech fields
Article by Melinda Eddleman
The #Code_IT Camp at Del Mar College (DMC) has become a popular summer activity for middle schoolers with the West Oso Independent School District (ISD), along with other youth from around Corpus Christi. In fact, all 18 seats for the second week of the highly sought-after camp, or 36 seats if you count both weeks of camp, filled up early with a waiting list already set for summer 2025.
Code Camp 2024_Students at Computers Learning Coding
This year marked the sixth time the College has offered the camp for sixth through eighth graders, who have the opportunity to spend some summertime learning the principles of computer science, programming and coding.
Scheduled consecutively June 17-28, DMC offered the two 2024 camps free to participants thanks to a $23,100 Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) grant as part of the commission’s Camp Code Program. The TWC’s program was developed as part of the overall goal of keeping the state and its workforce globally competitive in what is now a high-tech world.
Grant funds support coding camps across Texas that address the state’s initiative to show young minds the possibilities that await them by encouraging students to pursue high-tech STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
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When finished, campers will have spent a week learning about technology and staying engaged with hands-on activities that build on their problem-solving and analytical skills. The end-game is that they will see this summer camp as a building block toward their future, which in turn, is building upon the competitive sustainability of Texas’ economy.
Dara Betz, DMC Workforce Programs Director and Coding Camp Coordinator
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Code Camp 2024_Angela LI_Flour Bluff ISD_Computer Work
Angela Li works on her programming skills on a computer during the second week of Del Mar College’s sixth #Code_IT Camp. The Flour Bluff Independent School District student joined 17 other campers to learn learn about computer sciences, programming as part of a grant-funded Texas Workforce Commission initiative to encourage and entice youth across the state to enter STEM fields as part of Texas’ future workforce. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Code Camp 2024_DMC Computer Science Professor Dr_Phillip Davis with Camper Evelyn James
Incarnate Word Academy student Evelyn James shows Del Mar College Computer Science Professor Dr. Phillip Davis her coding on a laptop during the sixth DMC #IT_Code Camp on June 26. Held on the Heritage Camus in the Venters Building, 18 campers participated during the second week that featured learning more advanced programming and coding using robots as well as a focus on Artificial Intelligence. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Code Camp 2024_West Oso ISD Student Kane Odom_Smart Phone Programming
West Oso Independent School District student Kane Odom programs his robot using a smart phone during the 2024 #Code_IT Camp held at Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus. Eighteen sixth through eighth graders from around the Corpus Christi area learned how to build robots, programming and coding during the free camp support by a $23,000 Texas Workforce Commission grant to encourage and entice youth across the state to consider studies and careers in computer science. The funding is part of the commission\s Camp Code Program to keep the state and its workforce globally competitive in what is becoming a high-tech world. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Code Camp 2024_DMC Computer Science Assistant Professor Korinne Caruso with Campers
Del Mar College Assistant Professor of Computer Science Korinne Caruso (second from left) advises 2024 #Code_IT Camp participants from the Corpus Christi area about their coding of a robot. As the sixth camp the College has held for middle school students, the summer camp teaches sixth through eighth graders about programming, coding and building robots to pique their interest in computer science for college studies and careers. This year’s camp also focused on Artificial Intelligence. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Code Camp 2024_Computer Science Faculty Dr Phillip Davis and Yan Xu
Del Mar College Computer Science Professors Dr. Phillip Davis (left) and Yan Xu pose together during media day for the sixth #IT_Code Camp supported by the College’s Workforce Programs and Corporate Services Department and the Computer Science, Engineering and Advanced Technology Department to teach sixth through eighth grade participants robot building, programming and coding as an enticement to study and enter the field of computer science. Funded by a $23,000 Texas Workforce Commission grant as part of the commission’s Camp Code Program, which was developed as part of the overall goal of keeping the state and its workforce globally competitive in what is now a high-tech world.
Code Camp 2024_Evelyn James with Incarnate Word Academy_Robot Programming with Laptop
Incarnate Word Academy student Evelyn James programs her robot using a laptop computer during the June 26 media day at the Venters Building on the Heritage Campus. James is one of 18 students who attended Del Mar College’s 2024 #Code_IT Camp to learn about robot building, programming, coding and Artificial Intelligence. The free grant-funded summer camp is designed to entice and encourage Coastal Bend youth to pursue studies and careers in computer science and other related fields as part of the Texas Workforce Commission’s Camp Code Program to keep the state competitive with the ever-evolving global high-tech economy. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
- DMC Board of Regents holding workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 9Article by DMC College Relations Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 11 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The college will also livestream the regular meeting. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows: • 11 a.m. Workshop: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-12-9-25.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-agenda-packet-12-9-25.pdf Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Behind the glamour … DMC Cosmetology Program launching new Associate of Applied Science degree, Level II Certificate beginning this coming springArticle by Melinda Eddleman Most people may not think about the training that prepares professionals with the skills to “glam up” their clients for those holiday parties and special occasions, including haircuts, coloring, manicures, pedicures and other services. No matter where you go, beauty is big business. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists has been projected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034. And for the projected decade, the bureau determined about 84,200 openings each year for these positions due to career changes or retirement. Job growth among nail technicians is projected to grow 7% during the same period with about 24,800 openings available annually across the country. If you “Google” for hair or nail salons in Corpus Christi, the .To meet the growing opportunity to enter the Coastal Bend’s beauty industry, the Del Mar College (DMC) Cosmetology Program with the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department is expanding from offering Level I Certificate training to launching a new Level II Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cosmetology degree beginning with the spring 2026 Gonzalez says that the AAS degree will give licensed industry professionals the opportunity to earn a college degree rather than just hold a training certificate. “Individuals can petition for credit from any Texas cosmetology school as a licensed professional and will only need to complete eight courses at Del Mar College to earn our associate degree,” she says. Total required semester hours to earn the college’s AAS degree in Cosmetology is 60 hours for students beginning their training at DMC. Required semester hours for students already licensed and who are petitioning to have outside credits count toward the AAS degree may vary. “This is a major opportunity for professionals who want to own their own business or change career paths altogether because earning the AAS degree can then lead to completing Del Mar College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership (BAS OML) degree,” Gonzalez notes. The college launched the BAS OML degree in fall ’2024, the second bachelor’s degree DMC offers––with the first 14 students completing the program this past summer (online release). The new Level II Certificate also gives licensed professionals the opportunity to update their skills and learn about current cosmetology trends, including advanced haircutting and styling techniques, eyelash extensions and nail services as well as wigs and hair extension services. “This certificate will move students beyond the 1,000 clock hours needed for licensing,” Gonzalez says. As compared to the required 33 semester hours or credits to earn the Level I Certificate, the new Level II Certificate requires 45 semester hours. Curriculum for all three Cosmetology Program offerings fall under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which also administers the written and practical exam that students must take after completing their training at the college to receive their license. To learn more about the Cosmetology Program and all three offerings––Level I and Level II Certificates and the Associate in Applied Science degree––visit the program website at delmar.edu/degrees/cosmetology/index.html. Individuals can also contact Lissa Gonzalez at 361-698-1782 or lgonzale43@delmar.edu. Currently, registration is underway for Del Mar College’s spring 2026 semester with classes beginning on Jan. 12. On-campus and online registration before the DMC two-week Winter Break runs through 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. The college will be closed during this period with regular operations opening at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5. Individuals can get in-person assistance with the admissions process, registration and other help on all three campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek. For further details, visit the college’s Registration web page at www.delmar.edu/registration or contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar College and Tesla Partnership to Boost Skills, Careers and SustainabilityArticle produced as a collaboration between Tesla and DMC College Relations In partnership with Tesla, Del Mar College (DMC) launched a Chemical Operations Internship with the first cohort starting this fall at the Tesla Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery and cathode production at Gigafactory Texas in Austin. The internship offers early-career opportunities for students to gain industry experience while developing their expertise through higher education. Eleven interns were selected for the inaugural program, which runs for 16 weeks and includes students and graduates from the college’s Process Technology and Industrial Instrumentation Programs with the Industrial Technology Department. Interns include Nadia Barrera, Bradley Boren, Brian Garza, Christopher Karl, Raul Mora, Stan Perkins, Matthew Perez, Albert Soliz, James Vesely, Alan Villarreal and Jordon Wolfe. These students have the opportunity for a sponsored scholarship or full-time roles at Tesla after successfully completing their internship. High-achieving DMC students and graduates participating in the program are developing quality control and equipment operation skills to help increase the supply of lithium and cathode in North America, making it local to Texas. Chemical Operations Intern and DMC Process Technology major Stan Perkins II noted, “Working at Tesla provides on-the-job experience to troubleshoot issues in real-time, an understanding of day-to-day safety operations and the opportunity to apply what I’ve already learned. Through this internship, I’m helping drive sustainable energy right here in Corpus Christi and build the next evolution of chemical refining in the Bay Area.” The partnership runs through 2026. Tesla representatives shared future opportunities and recruited the next cohort of DMC students last month for spring internships. “Del Mar College administrators, staff, faculty and students are enthusiastic about our partnership with Tesla. Our relationship will take the college and our region to greater heights while benefitting our students and their families,” said Dan Korus, DMC Dean of Workforce Programs and Corporate Services. “We’re very grateful for the opportunity to partner with Tesla and look forward to seeing the success it will bring.”
- Two DMC Biotechnology students earn “Award for Excellence” for research presentations during ATE Principal Investigators’ Conference in Washington, D.C.Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. It’s one thing to receive recognition for your research project at the state level, which is a major accomplishment. But going the distance in the nation’s capital and receiving an award in front of representatives from more than 240 community colleges is definitely the next level. Del Mar College students Megan O’Shaughnessy and Kristen Waddell, both Biology and Biotechnology majors, recently experienced the honor. Led by DMC Natural Sciences Department faculty member and mentor Dr. Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang, Professor of Biotechnology, and accompanied by Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jonda Halcomb, the Viking pair attended the 32nd National Advanced Technical Education (ATE) Principal Investigators’ Conference held in Washington, D.C., Oct. 29-31. During the conference, O’Shaughnessy presented her research poster examining whether the extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in the blood of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Virgina opossum could protect these animals from rattlesnake venom. Her results show that the EVs from the snake and the opossum did weaken the venom, making it less able to break down fibrinogen, which helps blood clot, and gelatin, which is like the material found in tissues. O’Shaughnessy, who graduated from Kingwood High School and the Texas Connections Academy in 2022, said her favorite experience during the trip was presenting her research poster to a range of professionals working in STEM fields. “Being able to break down my poster to people at different levels definitely increased my confidence in my knowledge of my project and made me a better presenter,” O’Shaughnessy said. “Del Mar College has provided me with so many opportunities and experiences that have made a big difference on my confidence as a student.” Waddell’s poster focused on a very local and critical area of concern––environmental pollution in Baffin Bay. Baffin Bay and the creeks that flow into it are used for ranching, farming, fishing, bird-watching and other outdoor activities. But some of these waters have a problem. They contain too much fecal bacteria, which can come from humans or animals, which pollutes the environment. Scientists are already studying where this pollution comes from—cows, pigs, humans and birds. And in this project, researchers have added another tool to help track pollutants: a special gene called Class 1 Integron-Integrase gene, or intI1. This gene is important because it is often found in bacteria that carry antibiotic resistance that can be harmful. Including Waddell, researchers collected 142 water samples from Baffin Bay and three nearby creeks. The gene was present in every test site with some places having more than others. San Fernando Creek had the most, followed by Los Olmos Creek, Petronila Creek and then the bay. The amount of the intI1 gene also increased when there were more signs of poop from humans, cows and pigs. This means the intI1 gene is a good clue for spotting pollution caused by people and their activities. Adding this gene to water-testing studies will help scientists better understand how fecal pollution and antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread in the environment. Waddell, who graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 2023, said she especially enjoyed having a meaningful conversation with a Florida researcher who was interested in the genetics side of her research. “I loved hearing how his lab approached the same techniques I was using as they were incredibly innovative and inventive,” Waddell said. “This conversation was inspirational, and I saw the significance of continuing research in this area.” Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO of co-sponsor American Association of Community Colleges, noted that 800 National Science Foundation grantees attended the conference and remarked that the conference provided students and faculty with remarkable opportunities to share their work and learn from others. “Helping students see pathways from learning to application in the workplace builds the pipeline of skilled workers in our economy,” Pollard said, adding: “Since economic stability drives further innovation in businesses, these are investments in our shared futures.” For O’Shaughnessy and Waddell, attending this year’s ATE Principal Investigators’ Conference is one step among many toward bringing their own innovation to STEM professions that will benefit us all. Learn more about Del Mar College's Biotechnology Program and the use of innovative technology on the featured “In the Spotlight” blog page at the following web address: vikingnews.delmar.edu/in-the-spotlight-biotechnology/
- “Innovating the Future of Educational Attainment in the Coastal Bend” … Del Mar College holds second annual Superintendent Symposium to provide update, cover progress impacting Dual Enrollment ProgramArticle by Melinda Eddleman The program keeps growing. Data shows that credit student participation in Del Mar College’s Dual Enrollment Program has grown nearly 40 percent from fall 2020 to this semester, increasing from 2,628 to 3,671 Coastal Bend high school students who are well on their way to a brighter future through access to higher education. In fact, regional Dual Enrollment students make up over 31 percent of the college’s fall 2025 credit enrollment, which totals 11,700 students overall (preliminary enrollment*). Additionally, another 1,390 high school students are taking Continuing Education courses leading to Marketable Skills Awards or licensure in certain offerings. * The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will certify figures this month for final fall 2025 enrollment figure, which is subject to change from today’s reporting. Currently, 51 independent school districts (ISDs), parochial schools and charter schools combined, along with home schooled students, participate with the Dual Enrollment Program. Last year, the number was 43. On Nov. 18, DMC officials, superintendents from partnering Coastal Bend ISDs and other guests met for the second annual Superintendent Symposium scheduled at the Oso Creek Campus to cover the progress the college’s Dual Enrollment Program has achieved over the past year and what the next steps will be. The symposium targeted the impact the Dual Enrollment Program provides in preparing students for either additional workforce training or transferability to the university level and how Del Mar will continue progressing forward through ISD partnerships to make higher education attainable for Coastal Bend high school students. Presenters, including students and faculty, highlighted the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Program and “next steps” as college officials prepare for another cohort in fall 2026. Additionally, Flour Bluff ISD Superintendent Chris Steinbruck provided an address focused on his district’s partnership with the college and other area entities to prepare students for regional high demand job opportunities. Listen to KEDT Radio’s Nov. 19 broadcast of interviews with Dr. Escamilla and Steinbruck conducted during the symposium: The Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Program focuses on transitioning not only graduating seniors who participated in the college’s Dual Enrollment Program but also graduating seniors who may not have taken DMC credit courses while in high school. Data shows that 232 students who were Dual Enrollment seniors this past year enrolled in the program while 662 spring 2025 high school graduates without college credits enrolled. Together they make up nearly 50 percent of this fall’s Freedom to Dream cohort. DMC’s Dual Enrollment Program offers students in the ninth through twelfth grades attending high schools that partner with the college the opportunity to take courses whether they’re through Continuing Education programs to earn industry credentials or Marketable Skills Awards in healthcare, construction, welding or process technology or through the college’s academic programs for workforce preparation with Level I and II Certificates or associate’s degrees or for core course completion for university transfer. In fall 2023, the college rolled out the Dual Credit Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program with funding administered through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. A part of House Bill 8 (HB 8), the Dual Credit FAST Program provides greater accessibility to higher education at no cost for students defined as educationally disadvantaged, specifically those who qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch during any of the four school years prior to enrolling in an eligible dual credit course. Del Mar College chose to expand “no cost” tuition and fees to all high school students, including those considered non-qualifying FAST dual credit students who are taking eligible credit and Continuing Education courses and attending one of the partnering ISDs, parochial schools or charter schools in the region. Dual Enrollment allows high school students to start earning college and industry-specific credentials in one of nearly 110 DMC certificate and degree programs among eight career pathways, including: – Architecture, Aviation and Automotive – Business Administration and Entrepreneurship – Communication, Fine Arts and Social Sciences – Health Sciences – Industrial Technology – Kinesiology and Education – Public Service – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Dr. Rivera said that it’s never too early to introduce youth to the concept of attending college and notes that DMC began familiarizing middle school-age students, specifically eighth graders, and their parents with the college’s Dual Enrollment Program to encourage participation when they reach high school. “We’re student-centric and a leading force in building the Coastal Bend’s workforce for today and in the future,” he noted. “With new initiatives in place and more to come, we’re ensuring students have choices to earn the credentials they need for successful academic and career pursuits that impact their own lives and everyone living in the Coastal Bend region.” The Superintendent Symposium concluded with a video produced onsite featuring a few of the area’s superintendents providing quick remarks about what is the most exciting achievement occurring in their district now, along with a special message from retired West Oso ISD Superintendent and current DMC’s Superintendent in Residence Conrado Garcia, who emceed the event:
- Del Mar College hosts annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 to honor all who serve in U.S. Armed ForcesArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. On Veterans Day, we recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on their dedication, express gratitude for their contributions and reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting those who have defended our freedoms. To honor all who have served, Del Mar College Veterans Services presented its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. The ceremony was held in the courtyard at the Peace `Pole between the Harvin Student Center and the Memorial Classroom Building. DMC Regent and U.S. Navy veteran Dr. Nicholas Adame was the guest of honor, according to Dr. Jennifer Armentrout, Sergeant Major, USMC (ret) and DMC Veterans Services Director. Currently, 812 total veteran students and family members are enrolled in fall 2025 courses at DMC with 510 receiving Veterans Affairs benefits and 302 Hazelwood Act tuition exemptions. Gov. Greg Abbott announced in early September that Del Mar College is one of 33 two- and four-year public higher education institutions to receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze award based on criteria set forth by the Texas Veterans Commission and outlined in the Governor’s release. Del Mar College's Veterans Services received a Gold Award. Read about the college's announcement: https://vikingnews.delmar.edu/dmc-veterans-services-receives-tvc-gold-veterans-education-excellence-recognition-award-us-rep-michael-clouds-office-presents-congressional-acknowledgement-during-board-of-regents-regular-october-meeting/ The Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award was established by the Texas Legislature and is given after thorough review of college and university applicants that demonstrate educational excellence and support services that “significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military-connected students.”
