Students Explore Renewable Energy at TCC’s Hands-On STEM Academy

Oklahoma high school students participated in Tulsa Community College’s Summer STEM Academy, focusing on solar energy through hands-on projects like building mini solar-powered vehicles. Students gained valuable experience working with TCC faculty, exploring renewable energy concepts, and collaborating on design challenges.

More than 30 high school students from across Oklahoma gathered at Tulsa Community College’s Southeast Campus in June for the annual Summer STEM Academy, where they explored renewable energy sources through interactive learning.

This year’s Academy focused on solar energy, following last year’s theme of wind energy. Throughout the weeklong camp, students participated in sessions led by TCC’s Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics faculty about the science behind solar power and its role in the global energy landscape.

“STEM education is vital in preparing students for the future workforce, especially as technology continues to evolve,” says Richard Walcott, TCC Associate Professor of Physics and Director of the Summer STEM Academy. “When students get to design and build their own projects, they’re learning how to think critically and apply the concepts they’ve learned to solve problems.”

The week culminated in the final project of designing and building mini solar-powered vehicles, followed by an award ceremony where students presented their projects to TCC faculty and community leaders.

Latayviona Haywood-Haley, a senior at Harding Charter Preparatory High School in Oklahoma City, says the Academy offered a fresh summer learning experience.

“I wanted to try something new. When I found out we were building solar-powered cars, I thought it was interesting. I got a lot of hands-on experience here,” says Haywood-Haley.

For Brooklyn Herod, a senior at Vian High School in Vian, Oklahoma, the Academy offered the opportunity to explore her interests and learn more about engineering careers.

“I’ve been going to a summer camp every year since I started high school. I chose this one because I’m really interested in engineering and renewable energy, and this camp had both,” says Herod. “I also really like activities and building. When I found out we’d be making a solar-powered car, I thought, ‘This is the perfect camp for me.’”

On the last day of the Academy, students could be seen in teams racing their vehicles of different shapes and sizes, as solar panels wired to compact motors powered the machines forward. Although Herod’s team faced challenges with their vehicle design, she says the experience was still valuable.

“Our first car was smaller, and our second one was supposed to be bigger. But we also made it taller, which added more weight,” says Herod. “That extra weight made it harder for the car to push itself forward. But we had a solid idea. If we had more time, we might’ve added a second motor or more wheels. Still, my teammates and I worked well together. It was great to see everyone participating and we were proud of the effort.”

The Summer STEM Academy is a part of TCC’s ongoing effort to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators by offering opportunities to apply STEM concepts in meaningful and engaging ways. By the end of the week, students left the Academy with new skills and a better understanding of renewable energy solutions.