Leaders and advocates of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) take learning beyond just the academics offered in the classroom. Through TryEngineering, IEEE Volunteers are able to make STEM outreach projects a reality that reach school-aged children around the world. TryEngineering empowers educators and supports volunteers by providing STEM resources including peer-reviewed lesson plans at no cost. The IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program offers the opportunity for financial support to start, sustain, or scale selected STEM outreach projects in local communities. In 2024, 53 programs were selected as STEM grant recipients.
One of the selected projects was Solar Schools, organized by the IEEE Power and Energy Society Student Branch Chapter of Trivandrum College of Engineering, in collaboration with the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter. The event introduced 40 students to the concepts of solar energy, renewable technologies, and STEM education. The goal of the program was to spark curiosity and foster a sense of environmental responsibility by providing students with both theoretical insights and hands-on learning experiences related to renewable energy solutions.
The event featured a blend of engaging activities, including an opening keynote session by Dr. Ajith Gopi, Chairperson of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter, who discussed the importance of renewable energy. A technical session by Anvitha Vinod introduced students to solar energy fundamentals and IEEE initiatives. The hands-on activities included live demonstrations of solar panels, a TP4056 battery charging circuit, and a team-based assembly of mini solar cars, where students integrated mechanical and electrical systems. Students also participated in a workshop where they built solar-powered circuits, learned to use multimeters, and received an introduction to Arduino programming. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the program inspired students to consider STEM careers and contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions.
After the program, TryEngineering was able to conduct an interview with the program’s leaders:
What inspired you to create your program and get involved with STEM outreach at the pre-university level?
The idea for the Solar Schools STEM program stemmed from the belief that early exposure to STEM can spark curiosity and inspire students to pursue these fields. With the growing importance of renewable energy, we wanted to introduce high school students to solar energy concepts and demonstrate how STEM can make a difference in solving real-world problems. By engaging in STEM outreach, we aimed to encourage students, especially girls, to explore careers in science, technology, and engineering, and help them see how they can contribute to a sustainable future.
What goals were met, and how did you measure the program’s impact?
The Solar Schools STEM program successfully achieved its goals of increasing awareness about solar energy, sparking interest in STEM fields, and fostering confidence in renewable energy experimentation. Feedback collected through the post-event quiz and participant surveys revealed positive outcomes:
- Understanding of Solar Energy: 85% of students reported increased knowledge of solar energy, with most saying “Yes, a lot.”
- Confidence in Experimenting: Over 80% of participants felt more confident in experimenting with renewable energy after the program.
- Interest in STEM Careers: Over 90% expressed interest in pursuing a STEM career, with 45% saying “Yes, definitely.”
- Enjoyment of Hands-on Activities: 70% of students cited hands-on activities as their favorite part, highlighting the program’s interactive nature.
- Likelihood to Recommend: 85% of students were likely or very likely to recommend the program to a friend.
Solar Schools was a recipient of the 2024 IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program. IEEE TryEngineering and the IEEE Foundation have partnered to raise donations in support of the IEEE TryEngineering STEM Grant Program. If you would like to contribute, please make a donation via our IEEE TryEngineering Fund donation page.