GIST held a camp for middle school students to explore science

□ From March 15 to 16, 2017, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST • President Seung Hyeon Moon) held an overnight two-day camp for middle school students to explore various options and opportunities in studying science and technology.

□ The free-semester system in Korea gives middle school students a chance to engage in various activities that allow them to explore various educational options for their future. The Free Semester activities can include projects, experiments, practicums, group activities, and self-directed learning activities.

□ On May 20, 2016, GIST and the Ministry of Education signed an agreement to expand the free-semester system. In January, GIST received recognition from the Ministry of Education for contributing to the successful full-scale implementation of the free-semester system and for providing a camp for middle school students who are relatively isolated in learning more about future career opportunities in science and technology.

□ Last December, a Moyan Hyung Kyung middle school teacher who participated in the career search camp said, "By allowing students participate in challenging programs, GIST provided curiosity and opportunities for students who normally do not think about careers om science and technology."

□ GIST Admission Officer Yina Yoon, who is responsible for managing the GIST Free Semester Program, said, "Middle school students are at an age where they are trying to find and realize their dreams, so I would like to show them a way of how they can grow into a science and technology by providing them with new experiences. As a career-exploration camp, the GIST Free Semester Program offers a variety of experiences and lectures that introduce middle school students to the current opportunities in various science and technology fields in Korea. At the same time, we offer career mentoring, which makes it possible to start planning for their future careers."

□ The GIST Free Semester Program is funded by the Ministry of Education as part of the College Career Exploration Camp. In addition, GIST runs a community science program for elementary, middle, and high school students as well as for the general public. You can learn more about this program at the GIST homepage (www.gist.ac.kr).

□ In April, GIST Free Semester Program will offer programs such as creative convergence science classes and mentoring opportunities.

□ GIST President Seung Hyeon Moon said, "I hope that students who participate in the career exploration camp utilizing GIST's excellent research and education infrastructure will become exceptional scientists and engineers in the future."