Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) in IEEE and Christie Lake Kids Partner on Solar Project for Underprivileged Youth in Ottawa, Canada
Charitable organization, local university students, and EPICS in IEEE complete solar project proposed for economically disadvantaged children to bring hot showers to their remote campsite
PISCATAWAY, N.J., Sept. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, announces the completion of an EPICS in IEEE solar project proposed by young participants in Christie Lake Kids (CLK), an Ottawa-based charitable organization serving economically disadvantaged children and youth by providing recreation and skill-building programs. CLK offers inner-city youths up to 50 hours of sports- and art-based programs—all offered at no cost—along with access to healthy food, program equipment, and the necessary supplies weekly throughout the school year. The EPICS in IEEE solar project installed hot showers at CLK's summer camp, helping improve the nature learning and outdoor experiences for young people often experiencing nature for the first time outside the city.
Approved by EPICS in IEEE in April 2016 and completed in July 2017, the solar project resulted from a partnership between EPICS in IEEE and Christie Lake Kids, where young CLK participants were asked to form groups and develop project ideas in line with an EPICS in IEEE charter. Judging criteria was based upon defining a socially innovative, engineering-based project that empowered students, and that provided a valuable learning experience while demonstrating a direct benefit to the local community.
The winning team's proposal outlined how solar energy could be utilized to provide hot showers at the CLK campsite, which is located in the middle of a lake, removed from the power grid. Students from the IEEE Carleton University Student Branch then developed the proposal for the solar powered showers grant application, including budget and design options. The completed project involved the installation of solar panels and a battery storage system on the island that generates power to supply a water pump and heating system for delivering hot showers. CLK plans to create and display an informative plaque at the camp, giving young campers insight into the engineering and inner workings of the system.
"Christie Lake Kids is a wonderful organization and we share a common goal to pool our resources in order to transform lives and bring sustainable benefits to local communities," said Janet Davis, past chair, IEEE Ottawa Section. "EPICS in IEEE is a great vehicle for identifying and acting on opportunities to improve the daily lives of people in need, while also providing learning experiences that foster personal growth and that can help incentivize the engineers of tomorrow."
Through funding and local partnerships, EPICS in IEEE enables university and high school students to design and implement engineering projects that improve the lives of citizens in their own communities and are a catalyst for motivating young people towards careers in engineering. With a global focus on underserved communities, EPICS in IEEE helps advance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning around the world, with a model that addresses the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to closing existing technology gaps, while inspiring a new generation of engineers through education, hands-on work, and practical experience.
"Over the past few years, the IEEE Ottawa Chapter has become an important partner for CLK programs," said Liam McGuire, camp director, Christie Lake Kids. "With the solar powered shower system now complete, over 40 Leaders in Training (LIT) will now be able to access a high-quality facility fully powered by solar infrastructure. CLK is greatly appreciative of our partnership with IEEE."
Through EPICS in IEEE, today's students are becoming uniquely informed through their own experiences on how to mentor and encourage upcoming students, changing the way engineering is taught in universities. The four main areas of EPICS in IEEE projects focus include access and abilities, education and outreach, environment, and human services.
For more information on EPICS in IEEE, including information on membership and volunteering, grant applications, donations, news, and projects please visit www.epicsinieee.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About IEEE
IEEE is the largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. www.ieee.org.
About IEEE Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of IEEE, the IEEE Foundation inspires the generosity of donors so it may enable IEEE programs that enhance technology access, literacy and education, as well as support the IEEE professional community.
The IEEE Foundation, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization in the United States, fulfills its purpose by soliciting and managing donations, recognizing the generosity of our donors, awarding grants to IEEE grassroots projects of strategic importance, supporting high-impact Signature Programs, serving as a steward of donations that empower bright minds, recognize innovation and preserve the history of technology. With donor support, the IEEE Foundation strives to be a leader in transforming lives through the power of technology and education. www.ieeefoundation.org.
Contacts: Ray Alcantara, Program Manager, EPICS in IEEE
+1 732-981-2867, [email protected]
Janet Davis, Past Chair, IEEE Ottawa Section
+1 613-670-5268, [email protected]
SOURCE EPICS; IEEE
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