IEEE Volunteers are dedicated to a variety of engineering outreach initiatives. Specifically, many participate in outreach programs aimed at supporting STEM in pre-university students. Opportunities for project-based learning and hands-on experience in STEM are not always readily available for younger students. IEEE Volunteer Ramneek Kalra wanted to change that and make this type of environment more accessible for STEM students. Kalra and others within the IEEE Women In Engineering affinity group launched the Project-Based Learning School Camp.
“I created this program to address the problem of the gap we are facing under [the] IEEE banner of not looking over bridging academic-based learning with project-based learning,” stated Kalra during a recent interview. The program aims to provide students with hands-on experience to cutting-edge technologies that are relevant for real-world applications and careers. The camp was first implemented in India in April 2021 and now reaches over 10 countries. The program was selected as a 2022 IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant recipient.
When it comes to engineering, Kalra is passionate about re-innovating current societal models. With this program, he aims to re-innovate the structure of academic-based learning to project-based learning. He credited available IEEE resources TryEngineering & Junior Einstein Track (IEEE YESIST12) in helping him create this program. He also acknowledged the many industry mentors and volunteers who were a part of the process. Kalra also shared that planning this program helped him create new and cherished relationships and industry connections. Additionally, he enjoyed the opportunity to interact and bond with the student participants of the program.
“Networking with pre-university students is always a motivational factor for me, especially as I learn to experiment with curiosity, and that takes me back to my childhood innovation.”
Kalra is a Computer Science Engineer & Proactive Volunteer at numerous organizations namely IEEE, Youth for Sustainability, Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog, Govt. of India), Human Circle (Young India Challenge). He is an IEEE Young Professional who is an influencer. He is holding responsibilities of IEEE Impact Creator, Chair of History & Research Subcommittee under IEEE CS DVP Initiative, Chair of IEngage Track at IEEE YESIST12-2022, Author at IEEE USA E-Books, Member of “Universal Access to Technology” Technical Committee of IEEE SSIT, Voting member of IEEE Educational Activities Board (Pre-University Education Coordinating Committee) and Editor of IEEE India Council Newsletter 2022-23. He was also a panelist in the 2022 IEEE STEM Summit Roundtable Discussion. You can read more about him in his profile!