Young Engineers Electric Vehicle Challenge Conference

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Brian Palmer, Director, IDEAWORKS Innovation Center at Washington College

Young Engineers Electric Vehicle Challenge - STEM Conference at Washington College for High School students.

Get ready for an electrifying summer like no other - the 2023 Young Engineers EV Challenge at Washington College!

Innovators around the world are hard at work seeking solutions to help combat climate change. Sustainable transportation is a key piece of the puzzle, and that’s where electric vehicles (EVs) come into play. But here’s a surprising fact: a small boat powered by an outboard engine can emit as much pollution as nearly 40 gas-powered cars! Let’s do something about it!

Our 4-day EV Challenge isn’t your typical summer program. It’s a chance to dive deep into the world of electric vehicles, get your hands dirty, and even build and test a full-size electric race boat.

Located in beautiful Chestertown, MD, Washington College is home to the IDEAWORKS Innovation Center, the headquarters of our Electric Boat Team. We dominated in 2022, taking 1st place nationally at PEP (Promoting Electric Propulsion), and returned in 2023 to secure 2nd place. During the program, you’ll be under the guidance of Brian Palmer, Director of the IDEAWORKS Innovation Center, and the driving force behind the team’s victories. He’ll be joined by two knowledgeable members of the team who will share their expertise and enthusiasm.

This unique experience is designed for high school students who are passionate about engineering, science, and the environment and dream of making a difference in the world. You’ll roll up your sleeves with high-power propulsion motors, lithium battery design, naval architecture, and the integration systems that bring it all together. We’ll cover reverse engineering, design and prototyping, component assembly, on-water testing, data collection techniques, and the art of creative problem solving. We’ll have guest speakers from our Center for Environment and Society and the American Society of Naval Engineers in addition to bring further expertise!

But don’t worry, it’s not all problem solving and no play! You’ll explore our Center for Environment and Society’s waterfront facility, embark on multiple boats to explore the Chester River, test drive your team’s electric boat, and enjoy other areas across the campus. During your stay you’ll reside in the comfortable dormitory suites with all meals provided, you’ll take home some of your personal projects you build, and even snag a sweet Young Engineers EV Challenge T-shirt. Don’t miss this electrifying opportunity to supercharge your summer and innovate to make a real environmental impact (limited to 14 students - entering grades 10-12)