The AWE+SUM program is an annual event at Westminster College including a 4-day residential camp at Westerminster College for girls entering the 8th grade. he camp offers a variety of STEM-field hands-on workshops, presented by female faculty members, students (undergraduate and graduate) and professional women from the community.

The primary goal of the program is to encourage all the girls to persist in taking math and science courses throughout school years. Data suggests that introducing these middle school girls to women in STEM professions (academic and non-academic), they will gain greater interest, and students who are not currently meeting their potential in science may be engaged. The camp provides many levels of mentoring, so is of great value to all who participate: 8th grade girls, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty women, and women in the community.

A secondary goal, but equally important, is a social one. The camp recruits girls from a variety of ethnicities. There is great value in having girls from diverse backgrounds become acquainted over the 4 days; some remain in email contact afterwards. Much planning for the camp goes into finding ways to encourage positive relationships among all girls who attend.