http://epics-high.ecn.purdue.edu/

1. “High Schools Improving Lives with Engineering Projects in Community Service-Learning” Design Grow Prepare Serve Explore Succeed http://epics-high.ecn.purdue.edu/ Pamela TurnerEPICS High School Program CoordinatorPurdue University

2. Characteristics of Service-Learning • Service– students participate in service for the underserved in a community • Academically-based – reinforces or connects with the subject material of the academic course • Reciprocity – Mutual needs, mutual learning • Reflection (Analysis, metacognition) – Students reflect (analyze) on their experience and learning

3. Characteristics of EPICS High • Institutional Commitment • Student Driven • Customer/Project Partner Focus • Design Using Service Learning • Diverse Student Participation • Various Partnerships

4. The EPICS Consortium • EPICS programs at 19 universities • 35 High schools in five states • California, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York

5. Motivation:Connecting engineering with people and local communities • While interest in engineering is declining, civic engagement among teenagers is high • 83% of high school seniors entering college participated in community service or service-learning • Female and minority students more inclined to continue service • Many honors diplomas require service • Service-learning in high schools rarely connected with engineering/science/math • EPICS provides an opportunity to tap into this wave of volunteerism

6. Impact:Changing the Equation • 35 Schools Participating • 1250+ Student Participants • 41% Female Participants • 34% Underrepresented Participants • Over 50% in Free & Reduced Lunch Programs Included in the mission of the EPICS High program is outreach to underrepresented populations. Reports from schools in April 2009 show the following impact:

7. Impact:VariedProgram Models EPICS High is creating a variety of models to replicate throughout the nation. Of the 35 existing schools, current models are: • 10 Rural Schools • 7 Suburban Schools • 18 Urban Schools • 31 In-school Programs • 4 After-schools Programs

8. Project Example:Columbia Secondary School New York City Currently a 2 week summer program STARS Leadership Summer Summit: • Students apply to take part in free program • Combines students from all over the city • Environmental project focus • Mentoring by university students • Begin by learning fundamentals of engineering (EPICS High Curriculum!)

9. Project Example:Leicester High School, Massachusetts Elective within the school and after school Project: Portable exhibit for local science museum • Focused on building green exhibits Project: Green Technologies • Using thermal imaging to conduct energy audits of low income houses • Constructing insulation out of recycled materials • Incorporating green technologies for the middle school

10. Project Example:Columbus Area Career Connection Indiana In school day (core curriculum) Project: Community Holiday Lights Display • Students Designed and built large outdoor drive-thru community light display • Computerized music to lights • People tune into light display music on radio station Project: Local Non-Profit Office Design • Local non-profit was given office space by city and students are designing the office layout – other projects are expected to follow with this agency

11. New EPICS High Web Tools! • 1. EPICS High is now on Facebook! • Student group • Teachers group • 2. New EPICS High Website! • 3. Surveys and reports both on-line • 4. Plans underway for web training sessions • 5. More online curriculum and resources

12. EPICS High Reporting and Assessment Two times per year EPICS High Request that Bi-Annual Reports be completed on Survey monkey • Project Info • Demographics & Numbers • Needs • Pictures Also on Survey Monkey students are asked to complete surveys • One upon starting into the program • One upon leaving EPICS • If they are graduating seniors, they are also asked to complete a senior survey

13. EPICS High Year 1 Data Student Perception of What Was Learned After Being Involved in The Service-Learning Program • - 13 out of 15 schools participated in the surveying • - 500 EPICS students particpating in the15 schools • 40% student response to survey

14. EPICS High Ability To Demonstrate How Engineering Helps Peoples

15. Service-Learning Effect on Student Motivation By Population

16. EPICS High:Potential for Impact EPICS has the potential to play a role in addressing many current issues including: • Declining interest in Engineering/Computing • Continued underrepresentation of women and minorities • Drop out rates • Improving STEM education • Global competitiveness • Building capacity in communities and schools • Compelling needs of underserved populations

17. EPICS High:Momentum, Momentum! EPICS High continues to bring together the resources for a large-scale national roll-out. Due to the success and overwhelming interest in the program, long-term plans have been accelerated. Plans for growth include: • More Schools!! • Securing funding to set up regional training centers • Formal patnerships with professional societies • Engaging state Service-Learning representatives • Training of regional trainers • 2009 Learn and Serve America follow-on grant • Establishing Teacher Fellows program • Building Web Tools and Resources NEW – Find us on Facebook!

18. Prepare Serve Explore • The Martinson Family Foundation The Time is Now...Changing the Equation