CVE North America’s Solar Workshop with LESGC

This month CVE North America proudly partnered with the Lower Eastside Girls Club (LESGC) to host a STEM workshop for their middle school members. The Lower Eastside Girls Club connects young women and gender-expansive youth of color throughout New York City to healthy and successful futures through free, innovative year-round programming and mentoring. CVE supported their vital mission with a donation of $10,000 in May 2023, reinforcing our commitment to fostering bright futures. Our STEM workshop, which centered on the transformative power of solar energy, brought together minds eager to address climate change. The 1.5-hour event emphasized practical, interactive learning and delved into the importance of solar solutions in today’s world. 

Structuring Success Through Solar 

The workshop unfolded in a planned sequence, beginning with an introduction to solar energy and its role in mitigating climate change. We then transitioned into the heart of design thinking, laying the groundwork for innovation in solar technologies. As the challenge was presented, the room buzzed with the energy of brainstorming sessions, where participants harnessed their collective creativity to design solar-powered solutions tailored to their communities. 

The enthusiasm among participants was noticeable. Guided by the principles of design thinking, the youth proposed and prototyped their ideas. We witnessed an impressive display of ingenuity, from concepts aimed at local community needs to those with potential global impact. Among the standout ideas was a solar-powered community fridge, designed by one student to address food scarcity while promoting sustainable practices. Another innovative concept was a solar-powered purse capable of wireless charging, reflecting a blend of practicality and modern technology. 

Looking Forward 

As we reflect on the success of this workshop, we are reminded of the crucial role that young women play in the realm of STEM, particularly in sustainable energy. Stay tuned for future collaborations!