Registration open for Jacks ELeVATE camp

A popular camp that jumpstarts the engineering education of South Dakota State University students is back in 2026 under a new name.

The fourth annual iteration of what was known as Bridge Camp returns Aug. 16-21 as Jacks ELeVATE. As in past years, it is completely free to all engineering students and emphasizes key skills for new students.

Noah Richardson, a 2024 participant, said, “I thought the Bridge Camp was great. It allowed me to make a lot of friends — two are now my roommates — and got me familiar with campus as well.”

Students get a jump on moving into their dorms, doing so on Aug. 16, followed by a welcome picnic with their families and SDSU staff. Through the course of the week, students tour college facilities, meet with faculty, attend workshops and identify campus and community resources.

Bryson Love is a 2024 participant from Charlestown, Indiana.

“When I came to SDSU, I knew literally nobody. I had zero friends who were going to SDSU and zero family members who lived in South Dakota. I knew a couple professors from my tours, but that was all.

“I remember that first night in my dorm room before Bridge Camp being really rough. When Bridge Camp started, I finally got to meet people that were in my grade and a couple of upperclassmen. It was at Bridge Camp that I met (faculty member) Todd Letcher and his NASA advisers of a new club they wanted to start. 

“Through Bridge Camp, I was able to meet fellow NASA club members like Channing Bloedel, Noah Larson, Gavin Neu, Aiden DeWit, Evan Lauters and Noah Richardson. They have become my good friends in school and have been a part of the same club since freshman year. 

“If I had not been to Bridge Camp, I would never have met some of my best friends in school. I also would never been a two-time NASA RASC-AL finalist for the two projects I have done through the NASA club. 

“I totally recommend this program because it helps you settle into your dorm early, and you get to meet fellow classmates and professors.”

While the camp is free, including food, housing and Jacks logo wear, registration is required. For more information and to register, go to: https://www.sdstate.edu/jerome-j-lohr-engineering/jacks-elevate-program

The registration deadline is Aug. 14.