LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A summer camp at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln helps high school students explore the fields of science, technology, mathematics and engineering.

“This is about investing in the future of STEM and transportation engineering,” said Aemal Khattak, director of the Mid-America Transportation Center, which puts together the camp.

The program, which wrapped up Thursday, accepts 30 high school students from all over Nebraska based on essay submissions.

The academy is free to students because it’s entirely funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

It allows students to conduct experiments, use university lab space, engineer and ultimately discover what STEM education is all about.

“Once you get to this academy, you start to realize that STEM is in our everyday lives,” said Schira Khudhur, a student at Lincoln East High School.

While this program is focused on STEM, it’s also teaches students how to communicate, be creative, work together, become leaders and more.

“Being here has helped me learn a lot about mistakes and improving, and that it’s OK if I don’t do something right the first time,” student Heleen Khudhur said.

And just like any other summer camp, “this also gives students a good opportunity to form friendships,” Khattak said.

The Mid-America Transportation Center also hosts a similar after-school program called Roads, Rails and Racecars at middle schools across Lincoln. 

The STEM academy only lasted five days, but the hope is to create an impact that lasts a lifetime.