June 15, 2023
STEM Opportunity - SunPowered Student Challenge - Rural Electric Cooperative Competition
From Matt Frankenbery, Vice President of Education for PITSCO Education
We are excited to announce an opportunity for high school students to participate in the rapidly growing solar industry!
The Kansas Electric Cooperatives – consisting of the 26 Rural Electric Cooperatives across Kansas – are beginning a high school solar competition for teams of 2 to 4 students. While preparing for the competition, the students will learn about the appropriate sizing of solar installations, how to properly select a site for solar, understanding how the angles of the Sun change through the year, and the impact of cloud cover on solar production. The team of students should consist of varying personalities and skill sets, as the competition will require the application of science and math, the ability to present solutions to a panel of adults, and solving challenges presented during the day of the statewide competition in Topeka.
Competing in this event is a great way for students to prepare for a possible degree or career in the solar industry. Multiple institutions in Kansas offer degrees and certifications that lead to employment.
Many of the RECs across the state are sponsoring teams to participate. Their sponsorship covers the cost of the materials kit ($1,000) needed to prepare and participate in the state competition. If your 4-H’ers are interested in participating, the cost for students to participate is very low (only needing to pay a $200 competition registration fee for the team, if your local REC is sponsoring the materials kit).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question – Do all of the students need to be from the same 4-H club?
Answer – No they do not, and they don’t have to all be 4-H members.
Question – Do all of the students need to be from the same REC region?
Answer – If a local REC is sponsoring the team, then at least one of the students participating in the team needs to live within the REC’s region.
Question – How do I find out if my local REC is sponsoring a team
Answer – Please contact Debra O’Doherty, Event Coordinator. 800-835-0686 or dodoherty@pitsco.com
Question – Where do I learn more details?
Answer – Please review the details in this brochure: https://view.publitas.com/pitsco-education/79330-sunpowered-student-challenge-high-school-solar-competition-brochure-0423
Question – If I want to talk to someone about my questions, who do I contact?
Answer – Debra O’Doherty, Event Coordinator. 800-835-0686 or dodoherty@pitsco.com