In August, 60 teens participated in iUrban Teen’s iEngineer STEM Camp held at Washington State University’s Vancouver campus. The program provides underprivileged students exposure to the engineering field through engaging, hands-on activities with practicing engineers.
This year’s camp featured workshops on civil engineering, electrical engineering, architecture and robotics. As a local partner, Cascade Energy was able to work directly with the students, teaching basic skills and offering insight into what a career in STEM may look like.
Four Cascadians, Victoria Sonoda-Casper, Sara York, Michael Koch, and Kyle Huth, attended the camp in Vancouver, marking the third year Cascade has participated. They held a workshop on household energy efficiency which drew heavily on previous curriculum developed with assistance from Cascadians Tracie Tran and Alberto Pezzani and featured “Kill-A-Watt” power measurements of common household appliances, an exercise bike, and thermal imaging of different types of light bulbs.
“Being able to spend a day sharing my passion with curious you adults was such a gift! Their ability to explore with little assumptions and more curiosity not only benefits their learning but reminds me to approach problems with an open mind. I look forward to coming back next year! (and will be looking to recruit fellow engineers!)” – Michael Koch
To learn more about iUrban Teen and their iEngineer programs, check out their website.
