Outreach

The Young Engineers and Scientists in Energy (YES-E) program offers a dynamic platform for young minds to immerse themselves in the exploration of our energy future. As the world grapples with the challenges of a changing climate, it is imperative that the next generation understands the significance of the choices we make today. YES-E seeks to empower youth to not only comprehend but also actively shape our energy landscape through innovative projects and informed dialogue.

Apply for YES-E Summer Program 2024

Program Structure: The YES-E program is structured as a summer-long project-driven initiative. Participants have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects either individually or in small groups. Past projects have spanned a wide spectrum of energy-related topics, including innovative wind energy concepts, solar cell design, rocket propellant testing, and the development of a carbon footprint calculator.

Achievements: Previous YES-E participants have showcased their work at various science fair competitions nationwide, garnering recognition and prizes for their innovative solutions. These achievements underscore the program's commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and impactful contributions to the field of energy.

Eligibility: The YES-E program welcomes K-12, high school, pre-college, and college students who are passionate about learning and eager to contribute to shaping the future of energy. Whether you are a budding engineer, scientist, or simply curious about energy pathways, this program offers a unique opportunity to explore and expand your knowledge.

Location and Duration: The program is hosted at the Plasma Power Propulsion Laboratory (3P Lab) at the University of Minnesota, located at 2811 Weeks Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. The YES-E program runs for 8-12 weeks during the summer months. However, exceptional participants may have the opportunity to extend their involvement beyond the summer to further develop their projects and propel them to the next level.

Contact Information: For more information about the YES-E program, please reach out to Professor Sayan Biswas at [email protected]. Professor Biswas and the dedicated team at the University of Minnesota are committed to supporting and guiding aspiring young engineers and scientists on their journey towards shaping a sustainable energy future. Join us in making a difference today for tomorrow's world.

DropMEin! is part of ASME’s INSPIRE STEM Readiness program for K-12 schools where working engineers drop into classrooms, virtually, to explain how engineers can be “problem-solvers for good.” Launched in 2015, ASME’s INSPIRE program content is currently available to over 150,000 students across the United States. The program invites the exploration of basic engineering concepts and opens a window into the world of engineering by introducing young people to real-world STEM career paths and their positive impact on the world.

The DropMEIn! program is empowering next-generation engineers. Under normal circumstances, the ASME INSPIRE program brings engineers into classrooms in their local communities. However, in the midst of the pandemic, as part of the ASME volunteer engineering team, we virtually visit classrooms around the country.

Between 2014-17, I developed and taught three short-term courses for gifted, creative, and talented students in grades 5 – 12 through the Purdue Gifted Education Research Resource Institute (GERI) summer program. The purpose of the GERI program was to motivate young high school students to pursue STEM as a career choice. These courses were

• Introductory combustion – ‘Fire! Fire! Fire!’
• Introductory rocket propulsion – ‘Rocket Science? Yes, You Can!’
• Experimental fluid mechanics course – ‘Experiments in Fluids’