Wright Brothers Institute is cultivating some scientists and engineers this summer, hosting 28 area high-school students for an eight-week paid internship program laser-focused on science, technology, engineering and math, better known as STEM.
The students, representing 13 area high schools, applied for the program through the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE). No experience needed: even an interest in STEM wasn’t required, because the WBI team that planned the curriculum is certain that an interest will develop.
“One thing I guarantee – I guarantee! – is that the students will be given a lot of information they can use to make decisions about their future,” said Dr. Bart Barthelemy, a WBI founder and one of the summer program’s leaders. “They’ll get a broader depth in STEM, getting a good understanding of why or why not to pursue a STEM field in their education and career.”
The program runs from June 12 through Aug. 11 at Wright Brothers Institute’s downtown facility on East Second Street. The students will be divided into cohorts mentored by six university students, two from the University of Dayton, two from Miami University, and one each from Indiana University and Ohio University. The first component of the curriculum is FlexFactor, developed by NextFlex, a consortium working to advance U.S. manufacturing of printed flexible electronics. The students research a problem area in flexible hybrid electronics, develop a tangible solution, then create a prototype and business model. The program culminates with a student pitch session to a panel of experts.
The program runs from June 12 through Aug. 11 at Wright Brothers Institute’s Riverside facilites on Springfield Street and downtown on East Second Street. The students will be divided into cohorts mentored by six university students, two from the University of Dayton, two from Miami University, and one each from Indiana University and Ohio University. The first component of the curriculum is FlexFactor, developed by NextFlex, a consortium working to advance U.S. manufacturing of printed flexible electronics. The students research a problem area in flexible hybrid electronics, develop a tangible solution, then create a prototype and business model. The program culminates with a student pitch session to a panel of experts.
Another component is run by Dave Clark, a curriculum and technology specialist, who will focus on providing a wider lens into innovative thinking processes, exposing students to examples of innovation. Major concepts such as design thinking, computational thinking, entrepreneurship, presenting techniques, and public speaking techniques will be featured.
Three days will be spent on unmanned aerial vehicles with the experts from Sinclair Community College, who will also spend time on entrepreneurship and digital transformation. In addition, field trips to greater Dayton manufacturing companies will take place each week.
“I’m proud of the diverse, knowledge-enriched program we are able to provide for the brilliant-minded STEM students,” said Eric Hill, Technology Commercialization Manager and STEM Program Manager for Wright Brothers Institute. “This program gives students the ability to analyze, strategize, and conceptualize real-world problems that will affect our future.”
Paid internships offer students a chance to explore potential career paths and enable them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects. By interning with a STEM-related program, students get a glimpse of professional workplaces and become familiar with the expectations and dynamics of such environments. This exposure helps them build professional networks and develop essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
WBI is convinced that the 2023 STEM internship program will provide students with a valuable opportunity to enhance their academic and career prospects. The internship will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, empowering students to make informed decisions about their future educational and professional paths.
Overall, summer internships that focus on STEM provide a win-win for high school students and the greater economy. The students are able to explore their interests, develop critical skills, gain practical experience, earn money, make friends and build a network. WBI’s program contributes to the next generation of STEM professionals.