Junior Solar Sprint: Securing Students' Enthusiasm for Science and Engineering

For the 2009-2010 reporting period, the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association NESEA maintained participation in two areas teacher trainings and area coordination, and exceeded record participation levels at the Northeast Championship. Despite an extended waiting period for AEOP Bridge funding confirmation, NESEA was able to resume program activities in Spring 2010 and was fully prepared for the Northeast Championship which occurs annually in June. Through the aid of experienced Junior Solar Sprint Area and State Coordinators, NESEA continues to lessen its carbon footprint while increasing teacher workshop offerings. Of the eight workshops performed during the grant period, coordinators led five. In 2011 we anticipate a sustained increase in coordinator-led workshops. In addition, coordinators continue to work together more and reach out to other organizations. They support a sense of program cohesiveness while maintaining their autonomy and programmatic creative license. Also, the Northeast Championship again experienced record numbers of participating teams despite a second year of rainy weather and need to race indoors. Overall, the program continues to be a success and is a testament to teachers and students continuing interest in the engineering process and applications of solar energy.