2024 Young Engineers Electric Vehicle Challenge Conference

Get ready for an electrifying summer like no other - the 2023 Young Engineers EV Challenge at Washington College!

Innovators worldwide are hard at work seeking solutions to help combat climate change. Sustainable transportation is a vital piece of the puzzle, and that's where electric vehicles (EVs) come into play. Consider this surprising fact: a small boat powered by an outboard engine can emit as much pollution as nearly 40 gas-powered cars! Let's do something about it!

Our 4-day EV Challenge isn't your typical summer program. It's a chance to dive deep into the exciting world of electric vehicles, get your hands dirty, and even build and test a full-size electric race boat.

Located in beautiful Chestertown, MD, Washington College is home to the IDEAWORKS Innovation Center, the headquarters of our Electric Boat Team. We dominated in 2022, taking 1st place nationally at PEP (Promoting Electric Propulsion), and returned in 2023 to secure 2nd place. During the program, you'll be under the guidance of Brian Palmer, Director of the IDEAWORKS Innovation Center and the driving force behind the team's victories. Two team members will join Brian and share their expertise and enthusiasm with you.

If you are a high school student passionate about engineering, science, and the environment and dream of making a difference in today's world, this unique experience is for you. You'll roll up your sleeves with high-power propulsion motors, lithium battery design, naval architecture, and the integration systems that bring it all together. We'll cover reverse engineering, design and prototyping, component assembly, on-water testing, data collection techniques, and the art of creative problem-solving. We'll have guest speakers from our Center for Environment and Society and the American Society of Naval Engineers to bring further expertise!

But don't worry, it's not all problem-solving and no play! You'll explore our Center for Environment and Society's waterfront facility, embark on multiple boats to explore the Chester River, test drive your team's electric boat, and enjoy other areas across the campus. During your stay, you'll reside in the comfortable dormitory suites with all meals provided, take home some of the projects you build, and even snag a sweet Young Engineers EV Challenge T-shirt. Don't miss this electrifying opportunity to supercharge your summer and innovate to make a real environmental impact (limited to 14 students - entering grades 10-12).