Biannual AUS High School Computing Camp introduces Sharjah youth to engineering design and innovation

Students from the Sharjah Youth Center participated in the Sixth American University of Sharjah (AUS) High School Computing Camp, where they learned about engineering and innovation. During the five-day event, the Emirati students had the opportunity to attend theoretical sessions and labs that covered the areas of digital systems design, programming, web development, mobile application development, smart home development, and robotics building and programming.

Participating students were from Sharjah Youth Center, a youth institution that focuses on creativity, innovation and early detection of young talent and provides them with the expertise that develop their national sense and help them play a role in uplifting UAE’s society.

The camp focused on a wide variety of topics and helped students in building their technical and soft skills through presentations, problem solving, teamwork, communication skills, and time management with the help and guidance of instructors from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at AUS. Participants were also introduced to the basics of programming and created their first C++ programs to solve different problems. The camp also allowed them to focus on building simple Android Apps as well as developing basic HTML webpages. A competition was also held at the conclusion of the camp.

Dr. Fadi Aloul, Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and organizer of the computing camp, said:

“This camp is held during school holidays to spread awareness and underline the impact of computer science and engineering in today’s world, and how it can make a difference in almost every sector, be it education, health or transportation. This edition of the camp was held in conjunction with the Sharjah Youth Center to equip Emirati boys with the tools to think outside the box. It also helped them develop their soft skills as they worked in teams. It is a great way for students to spend part of their summer break.”

The camp equips students with an insight into the world of engineering and computer design and helps develop essential skills necessary for their future university life. The successful camp was another step in the university’s aim of engaging with and promoting research and STEM subjects within the larger community.