The Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation (CiTi) BOCES partnered with Micron this summer to give Oswego County students an inside look at the technologies shaping the future through the inaugural Oswego County Micron CHIP Camp.

Held July 7–9 at the CiTi BOCES Mexico Campus and Onondaga Community College, the three-day camp introduced students entering sixth and seventh grade to artificial intelligence, memory systems, semiconductor science and the fundamentals of chip technology.

The camp was designed to take complex concepts and make them tangible through hands-on experiences. Rather than simply learning about semiconductors and artificial intelligence, students had opportunities to experiment, build, problem-solve and see how these technologies connect to the devices and systems they use every day.

“Students are hearing more and more about artificial intelligence, semiconductors and Micron’s investment in our region. CHIP Camp gave them an opportunity to understand what those words actually mean—and, more importantly, to see themselves as someone who could be part of that future,” said Brian Heffron, CiTi Administrator of Workforce Development & Community Relations.

Throughout the camp, students explored three key areas: circuits and chips, semiconductor manufacturing and the relationship between memory and artificial intelligence.

Students learned foundational concepts through activities such as building circuits, exploring how computer memory stores information and investigating how semiconductor components help power modern technology. 

One activity allowed students to create bracelets representing their initials in binary, connecting the familiar concept of friendship bracelets to the way computers store information using ones and zeros. Other activities simulated the movement of data through computer memory, helping students visualize why greater memory capacity and bandwidth can improve technological performance.

Students also explored the physical side of technology through circuit and breadboarding activities. Curriculum developed for the camp included hands-on opportunities to build simple circuits, working with LEDs and resistors, exploring semiconductor concepts and troubleshooting their designs.

The camp curriculum was developed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and career possibilities. Activities encouraged students to ask questions such as: What is a semiconductor? How are chips made? And what role do the technologies inside today's computers play in the future?

“Experiences like CHIP Camp are an important part of helping students connect what they learn in school to the world around them,” said CiTi CTE Specialist and Camp Coordinator Savanah Larkin. “We want students to leave camp not only knowing more about technology, but also being curious about what they might be able to create, design or do in the future.”

During their visit to Onondaga Community College’s electromechanical program, students toured the clean room, learned about circuits and soldered weevils. 

The camp was open to students enrolled in Oswego County school districts who were entering sixth or seventh grade in fall 2026.

Through the partnership, students were able to explore a rapidly evolving field at an age when many are beginning to consider their interests, strengths and potential career pathways.

CHIP Camp is part of CiTi BOCES’ broader effort to provide Oswego County students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore emerging technologies and connect their education to the workforce of tomorrow.