Today’s high schools have deviated from teaching kids about science and technology, instead emphasizing performance on standardized tests. With little to no hands-on experience with science and technology, students quickly lose interest in these subjects because they have not experienced the real world applications of science and technology. We want to link knowledge learned in school with real world applications.

As a student interested in technology, I find it difficult to fully learn about technology without hands-on experience. When I was young, I took apart electronics and tinkered around with computers. Through those experiences, I learned problem solving skills that allowed me to succeed in understanding the sciences. Other students whom I talk to face similar frustrations in learning about science and technology. As a result, I want to inspire students to learn about science and technology by letting them develop hands-on skills in a real environment.

Phase I (Planning): April - June 2009
In Phase I, the leadership met weekly and planned most of the StudentRND activities for the summer. They recruited members, and meetings increased in frequency until Phase II. Members will start planning in the three groups: Workshop, Community Outreach, and Business Development.

Phase II (Pilot Summer): July - August 2009
During the summer of 2009, we will start working at StudentRND as if at an internship, working 40 hours a week. Because of our limited resources, this summer we’ll pilot the Workshop program with a limited number of students to develop systems to run the Workshop program for the next summer. Also, the Community Outreach team will plan activities such as events at local libraries, exhibits at local farmers markets and visits to local youth organizations. The Business Development team will establish business relations with donors, corporations, foundations, other nonprofits, and local clubs.

Phase III (Expansion): September 2009 - June 2010
During the 09-10 school year, we will meet biweekly to continue the workshop, community outreach, and business development programs. In addition to the tasks worked on over the summer, we will recruit more members, visit local elementary schools to interest students, and publicize our organization.

Phase IV (Summer Program): July - August 2010
Through the resources gathered by the Business Development team, we hope to have all of the programs fully operational by summer 2010. If possible, we would have office space donated to us so that we can meet in a more accessible location. Each program should be able to accommodate students with no prior knowledge of science and technology, and help develop their skills.

Students can help by joining the organization. Adults may help us directly by joining our organization and becoming mentors, or giving us networking opportunities. Others may also help us through advertising our cause, providing opportunities for us to display our work, and donating money to the organization to promote our programs.