FREEDM ERC precollege programs: Motivating careers in the electric power industry

Abstract

Declining interest and enrollments in STEM related fields are an impetus to engage precollege students and teachers in science and engineering activities. Concerns about climate change and green energy sources provide platforms to connect today's students to tomorrow's careers in the electric power industry. Three facets of the NSF-supported FREEDM ERC precollege programs are described: (1) a Research Experience for Teachers, (2) a Young Scholars commuter program for high school students, and (3) summer science camps for middle school students. Assessment results for the fourth year of the effort at four different university campuses are presented.