PyTime IoT: A Bootcamp to Motivate High School Students to Choose STEM Careers

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines stand out for their role in equipping students with the skills necessary to address complex real-world problems. Despite the critical importance of STEM careers, disparities persist, particularly among young women and students from public schools. This motivated the creation of an IoT bootcamp - referred to as PyTime IoT, a 2-day course aimed at high school students. This bootcamp integrates hands-on activities in Python programming and IoT systems that demonstrate the tangible application of theoretical STEM concepts through real-world scenarios. Our approach enhances participants' understanding of IoT and programming and also serves as a stepping-stone for high school students contemplating STEM careers. Preliminary results from the first two bootcamp editions indicate a positive shift in participants' skills and a marked increase in STEM career interest, suggesting that targeted bootcamps like PyTime IoT are effective in bridging the educational gap and inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.