Triton College Hosts ‘Submarine Camp’ in August to Introduce Teens to Submarine Design and STEM Careers

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College is diving into hands-on STEM education through a unique partnership with Build Submarines to host the Building Giants Manufacturing Camp, a weeklong submersible-building experience for students ages 12–16. The camp will run from Aug. 4–8 on Triton’s campus.

Designed for curious young minds, the program offers participants the opportunity to join a mock submarine crew while exploring the science, technology, and teamwork that make underwater exploration possible.

Led by Triton engineering technology faculty members Andrea Blaylock and Antigone Sharris, students will work in small groups to construct functional submersibles out of PVC pipe. Each device will be tethered and controlled by campers as they test the submarines’ ability to navigate underwater.

“Whether your child dreams of being a marine scientist, engineer, or captain of the deep, this camp offers an unforgettable experience filled with learning and discovery,” said Sharris.

Campers will also gain exposure to manufacturing career pathways, including lessons in electrical soldering and mechanical design. While the camp is not competitive, each submarine will be assessed based on its ability to perform specific maneuvers, such as moving forward, backward, and completing a figure eight.

Although Blaylock and Sharris have led similar camps in the past, this marks the first time Triton College is hosting such an event. They hope the experience will spark lasting interest in manufacturing and related STEM fields.

“When people think about submarines, they think ‘underwater,’” Sharris said. “The reality is that a lot of foundational work in space technology originated underwater. Much of our planet beneath the waves remains unexplored, and what we learn there can be applied far beyond Earth.”

Sharris also hopes campers will walk away with an understanding of the many career opportunities that exist in the region for manufacturing.

“A lot of people think that everything gets built on the other side of the planet, which is not true. There’s a lot of manufacturing that occurs in our backyard, so there’s lots of opportunities to get good paying careers here.”

For more information, email Antigone Sharris at antigonesharris@triton.edu.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu.