INSPIRE

The Program

INSPIRE is an acronym for Increasing Student Preparedness and Interest in the Requisites for Engineering. It is a four-week summer program designed to provide ethnic minority high school students with the opportunity to participate in studies related to basic engineering skills in a college environment.

These students (African-American, Hispanic, Native Americans, females) are under-represented in engineering programs. INSPIRE will assist the student in identifying vocational interests through information offered about careers in engineering and related fields.

INSPIRE is a non-profit program designed to enable participants to acquire a degree of proficiency in a technological area through participation in laboratory-oriented studies. A certificate will be awarded to each student who successfully completes the four-week program.

The Curriculum

The INSPIRE program will be held at the University of Louisville Speed School June 8 through July 2 on Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The students will learn more about themselves by participating in a "True Colors" session. This program is an easy, entertaining way for students to learn to better understand and value themselves. The students will also learn to better respect every individual and to embrace their similarities and their differences.

INSPIRE students will also be given a brief introduction to electrical engineering. They will then learn about "autonomous robotics" and will watch robots playing robotic ping-pong.

The students will also be given an introduction to Computer-aided Design (CADD) whereby automated graphic systems for displays of multi-view and 3D drawings are presented. Students will interact with a tutorial overviewing the development of two- and three-dimensional drawings.

The INSPIRE students will also be introduced to a production and manufacturing "just-in-time" system of industrial engineering. Through two simulations, the students will experience the advantages and disadvantages of both control schemes for assembly line productions. The students will work in teams which will physically simulate the production of an item.

The students will also be introduced to concepts of "green engineering" in civil and environmental projects.

In addition, other disciplines of engineering will be reviewed. The program will allow students to examine engineering as a career choice and will provide field trips to local industry.

The Participants

Most applicants will be minority students who will be completing the 9th, 10th or 11th grade in the Louisville metropolitan area and have been recommended by school guidance personnel in cooperation with mathematics and science teachers. The participants will be selected by the Director of the INSPIRE Program according to the following pre-determined criteria.

• above average math and science skills
• solid academic record
• teacher recommendations
• commitment to participate for the full four weeks

The Cost

The program is entirely free, but participants will need to provide their own round trip transportation to the University of Louisville Speed School at Third Street and Eastern Parkway. The Speed School will provide instructors, supplies, and equipment at no cost to the participants.

The Application Process

Application forms are available in the office of high school guidance counselors in the Jefferson County (KY) area. These forms may also be obtained by calling the Department of Engineering Fundamentals at Speed School, (502) 852.6100. The date of application is a criterion in the selection process, so each applicant should submit the completed form in a timely manner. Applications must be received by April 17, 2009.

Questions?

For more information, please contact:

Professor Brenda Hart
Director of Student Affairs
Department of Engineering Fundamentals
Speed School of Engineering

Email Brenda Hart
Phone: 502.852.0440
Fax: 502.852.6268

2009 Schedule