The Program

A one-week, summer residential program for soon-to-be sophomore, junior and senior African American, Latino, and American Indian students interested in science, mathematics and engineering.

Simply put, engineering is solving problems using math and science. Engineers make artificial organs and limbs; create robots to carry out tasks too dangerous for humans; devise ways to treat waste to keep it from polluting the environment; produce materials that are flame resistant; and improve the design of tools and toys we use every day. It's impossible to go through a single day without using something an engineer has helped to create.

Strive is a hands-on exploration of engineering, math and science for African American, Latino and American Indian high school students. You will be able to learn more about potential careers in these areas by engaging in labs facilitated by a dedicated team of WPI faculty and students. Although labs change every year to accommodate repeat participants, in the past they have included comparing the quality of water from various sources and testing different techniques for making it drinkable, building a robot that responds to sound, and learning about the process of making artificial skin.

In addition to labs, participants work in teams on a week-long engineering design project. Last year the project involved using a wheelchair to determine what tasks are difficult for a disabled person to accomplish. The teams then each redesigned their chair and presented the results, using CAD drawings, to an audience of their peers. This year's project will focus on a different aspect of how engineering helps people.

Strive isn't all work! The evenings are filled with opportunities for you to have fun with your fellow participants, who come from all over the country. Bowling, a chance to drive a Segway, and karaoke were highlights of last year's evening activities.

A schedule of activities will be provided to successful applicants. We think you'll find the Strive program to be a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience!

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Last modified: Jun 26, 2007, 10:28 EDT