Project Profile

This project is a three-year, youth-based program aimed at developing and enhancing students' interest in Science and Engineering (S & E) and Information Technology (IT). The objectives are to: (1) stimulate interest in S & E among students who are currently underrepresented in S & E and IT fields through the spirit of invention; and (2) provide students with skills in IT that will enable them to conduct needs analysis, design, fabrication and evaluation of devices that meet the needs of persons with disabilities or persons who are elderly. The content focus is electronic with embedded microcomputers. Approximately 400 students in 8th through 12th grades are targeted by the program. Students participate in weekly tutorial sessions with hands-on workshops and weeklong summer programs to improve their knowledge and skills in S & E and IT and to develop their inventions. The expectation is that 400 students in 8th through 12th grades will use their knowledge and skills to reach up to 400 persons with disabilities or persons who are elderly during the award period.