NILES — Niles Community Schools will host two new exploratory camps this summer for middle school students. Thanks to newly approved grants from local foundations dedicated to supporting the community, the district is offering Career and Technical Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics camps in July.

Niles High School has been on the forefront in the field of CTE for decades, said school officials. The CTE Camp from July 15 to 19 is meant to teach middle school students technical, academic and employability skills to provide a better understanding of what training is available in high school and as potential future career opportunities.

The camp is open to students who have finished sixth or seventh grades and are currently enrolled in the district’s middle school programs, or who have finished eighth grade and will be attending Niles High School. Career pathways that can be explored include welding technology, graphic design, culinary arts, health science and robotics — all of which mirror programs the schools have available at Niles High School during the school year, said officials.

The STEM Camp will focus on unveiling the current career options in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to middle school girls by working alongside female professionals.

The STEM Exploration Camp, running from July 22 to 26, is open to current sixth, seventh and eighth grade female students.

“Exploring various career opportunities at a young age is essential in preparing students for a variety of potential pathways,” said Dan Applegate, superintendent at Niles Community Schools. “We look forward to seeing the impact these new exploratory camps have on our students’ opportunities in the future.”

Both camps have limited availability. Enrollment forms are available at the offices in Ring Lardner Middle School and Eastside Connections School.