Inspire the Next Generation

Applications are now open for a global engineering research opportunity focused on human-centered design and appropriate technology for developing countries. Six middle and high school teachers from schools within the Dayton region will engage in engineering research with faculty mentors, pre-service teachers, and global community organizations focused on developing just and sustainable solutions to community-identified challenges. Participants will travel to global sites on a 3-week immersive cultural experience with one of the organizations. 

During this year-long program, participants will be mentored by University of Dayton (UD) and Central State University (CSU) faculty as they engage in (1) human-centered design and appropriate technology research, (2) professional development for enhancing intercultural proficiency, (3) immersion in another culture to learn first-hand about global engineering for positive societal outcomes, and (4) a 2-week workshop to develop curriculum to take back to their own classroom and share via the TeachEngineering website.  

Many STEM education studies have indicated that engineering educational experiences centered on communities and bettering societal outcomes have significant positive impact on recruiting and retaining underrepresented students in STEM fields. Therefore, the goal of this program is to provide teachers with intercultural training and community engaged experiences to develop a rich and community-based engineering curriculum for their classrooms.

Successful applicants must:

• Make a full commitment to a 3-week immersive experience, including completing all travel prep (vaccinations, passport, visa, etc.); 
• Possess an adventurous spirit with an openness to and curiosity about other cultures, especially in low resourced areas; 
• Be willing to travel without typical creature comforts; and
• Be open to individual and group reflection activities that promote personal and professional growth during the year.