SEE VT, the Summer Enrichment Experience at Virginia Tech, hosted its inaugural session this summer.

SEE VT is an opportunity for middle school students living in rural communities throughout Southwest Virginia.

During the free, one-week residential summer camp on Virginia Tech’s campus, students had the opportunity to learn and reflect on what it means to live and thrive in rural communities.

Amy Azano, associate professor of adolescent literacy and rural education in the School of Education, served as camp director. The camp received grant support from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

The SEE VT program employs a place framework designed to meet the social-emotional needs of learners by addressing topics such as stereotype threat and rural poverty while introducing STEM and arts opportunities that emphasize a connection to home and community.

Azano is the founding director of the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech, which launched this year and aims to advance educational equity in rural communities through research and outreach.

Partners include the School of Education, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment, and Outreach and International Affairs.

Visit the center's website for more information.

Video by Mark Blane for Virginia Tech.