A federal funding cut has put the future of three popular Wisconsin STEM camps for autistic students at risk, leaving families and educators worried that a rare space for hands-on, inclusive science learning could soon disappear.
The camps, run through the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Climatic Research, have drawn middle and high school students from more than 35 communities across Wisconsin and Illinois since 2022. With sensory-friendly, nature-based activities ranging from NASA citizen science projects to outdoor exploration, the programs aim to foster neurodiversity and encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
“This isn’t just about science,” Michael Notaro, director of the Center for Climatic Research and founder of the camps, told The Daily Cardinal. “Families have told us their children feel safe, welcome and excited to learn — it’s heartbreaking to think of losing that.”…