Illuminating Pathways
“I had the chance to learn many things — to learn more about optics, lenses and lasers.”
Chloe Phung, Laser and Photonics Summer Camp participant
This summer, high school student Chloe Phung left the bright lights of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to spend a week immersed in the study of light on UCF’s campus. As part of the third Laser and Photonics Summer Camp hosted by CREOL, she joined more than 50 high school students from across Central Florida — and around the world.
In addition to learning opportunities, the camp shines a light on the photonics industry, where more than 10,000 jobs open each year in the U.S., despite only 80 to 100 students in the nation graduating with bachelor’s degrees in photonics annually. A third of those graduates come from CREOL.
Your generous contributions during UCF Day of Giving 2026 raised $2,600 that will go toward making this experience available to more high school students interested in the field, introducing them to optics and photonics through interactive labs, demonstrations and lectures. The funding directly supports local teachers who help staff and host the camp, as well as camp tuition and supplies for the students.
Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of industry leaders and changemakers.
Thank you Knight Nation!
We are excited to share the impact of your generosity and the stories of what you make possible. At the same time, we are also looking ahead, confident that with your continued support, there is so much more we can achieve together.
