Ford Motor Co. has named the Utica for Science and Industry (UCSI) Michigan’s only winner in a grant program that honors student-created projects that address a community issue.
The company, noting that UCSI “blazed the trail” in the state through its Ford Next Generation Academy partnership, provided a $10,000 grant for students to create renewable energy through exercise equipment at local gyms.
The grant honored the program’s “Project Powerhouse” earning second top honor through the Nationwide Ford STEAM High School Community Challenge.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“This national recognition reflects the leadership of our students to create the innovation that will guide their future,” said Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns. “We look forward to seeing the impact of not only this creative energy initiative but also the difference they will make as leaders in business and industry.”
UCS students created the project to address the issue that 85 percent of current energy sources create pollution.
Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Through the grant, students will create turbines that will capture the energy created by individuals using stationary bikes at the local gyms.
The energy will be stored into a battery to meet the needs of the gym.
UCS students involved in the project include Lauren Crist, Tom Fezzey, Alena Krolczyk, Brenden Kucken, Anthony Lewis and Nick Spanos.
“It was fun to see the minds of these students come together to create a strong program – one that will really affect their community,” said teacher UCSI mechatronics teacher Scott Spry.
The project is part of the program’s Powered by Ford Academy partnership, which offers students training, scholarships, work opportunities and internships and further develops the link between graduates and jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
A video describing the project is available at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaiSB7hLBLI. The video was created by the students working with teacher Michael Allore.
The Ford Next Generation Academy is offered through Ford Next Generation Learning, which is part of The Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of the automaker.
“Students can be an inspired, powerful force for good that can change their communities for the better and ultimately change the world,” said Mike Schmidt, director, Education and Global Community Development, Ford Fund. “We want to create more opportunities for them to use their imaginations and energy to meet challenges and have a positive impact on more people.”
UCSI – opened in 2008 - is a nationally recognized specialty program that provides an innovative blend of rigorous academics with real world applications. It works closely with industry to ensure the development of skills current employers are seeking for college and careers in high-paying, high-tech jobs.
The half-day UCSI program prepares students for the fields of engineering technology, mechatronics (‘smart’ robotics systems) and multimedia production.
Cutline – Teacher Scott Spry and UCSI students Nick Spanos, Tom Fezzey, Alena Krolczyk, Brenden Kucken, Lauren Crist and Anthony Lewis.
Source: Utica Community Schools
Dr. Christine Johns, Superintendent of Schools
