HighTechU empowers future innovators with summer cohorts supported by industry leaders Workday and BRNKL
September 19, 2023
HighTechU, an outreach initiative of the UVic Electrical and Computer Engineering Department for high school students, is proud to announce the successful completion of two dynamic summer cohorts, in collaboration with industry partners Workday and BRNKL. These programs provided a transformative learning experience, equipping students with valuable skills and hands-on experience in a startup-like environment.
The Techccelerator, supported by Workday, offered students the opportunity to work in small teams to design, build, deploy, and pitch innovative React applications. The challenge was to create a solution for an accessibility problem.
HighTechU's EngAcademy, sponsored by BRNKL, focused on designing, building, and pitching Arduino devices. The goal was to create a smart device to be implemented on boats for any purpose - recreational, commercial, research or even military.
Participants in both cohorts gained industry-relevant skills, including teamwork, problem solving, and project management using Agile methodology. They also delved into user experience (UX) design and prototyping using Figma, mastered version control with Git, and honed beginner business skills such as pitch presentations, competitive advantage research, and profit generation.
"Our programs are driven by two core principles: addressing the gap in students' industry-relevant skills and helping them understand the practical applications of engineering," said Pamela Vieira, Manager of HighTechU. "We're committed to preparing the next generation of innovators, and our industry partners have played a crucial role in shaping our curriculum and fostering an environment of real-world learning."
HighTechU's summer cohorts not only featured faculty and industry professionals as project judges but also welcomed graduate student volunteers who provided guidance and support to students throughout their journey.
As part of their patronage, Workday and BRNKL have actively contributed to refining HighTechU's curriculum aligning it with the skills they are looking for. Additionally, they will host the winning groups at their offices for a shadow day next month, allowing students to gain invaluable insights by shadowing engineers in various roles.
HighTechU sincerely thanks Workday and BRNKL for their unwavering dedication to nurturing the future generation of innovators in BC.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the dedicated individuals whose efforts ensured the growth and development of our students: our staff, mentors, and volunteers - Kiara Hosie, Arden Loewen, Cindy Unrau, Hudson Showalter, Martin Yun, Amer, CheukKi Liu, Ahmad Sabbagh, and Amirreza Balouchi.
And, of course, to our Faculty and industry professionals whose expertise and guidance have been invaluable: Ulrike Stege, Ilamparithi, Tina Belcourt, Andrew McLean, Brandon Wright, Cassidy Quaite, Dillan, Sachen Macdonald, Ben Wilson, Irene Zhang, and Paull Murray.
For more on HighTechU and their programs for this fall, visit www.hightechu.ca/home.
About HighTechU:
Based in the UVic Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), HighTechU is a diverse community for high school students to make connections, build professional skills and explore diverse career pathways in technology. We welcome students of all genders, abilities, and backgrounds.
Contact
Pamela Vieira
Manager of HighTechU
pvieira@uvic.ca
+1 250-858-8022