Since 2007, YES!–our Youth Energy Summit–added partners, teams and funders, gaining statewide recognition. During this time, STEM–science, technology, engineering and math–became a focus across the country. These skills are in high demand for employers.
In February, SWIF awarded grants totaling $26,700 to schools for YES! and STEM projects, including:
- DREAM Technical Academy (Willmar) YES! Team – Compost Tumbler
The team hopes to generate enough compost that they can sell it to support future projects. - Glencoe-Silver Lake Schools – Renewable Fuels Project
This is a joint YES/STEM project involving in which they create a supermileage car that runs on alternative fuels. They are working closely with Pinske Edge in Plato and other area businesses and engineers with their project. - Lac qui Parle Valley Schools – Eagle Eye Robotics Team
Students are gaining STEM skills by engaging local engineers and volunteers in working with the students. - MinnWest Technology Campus Foundation – i3@MTC Event
This science-centered event geared toward students in grades 4 through high school and their families was held in April. - New London–Spicer YES! Team – Greenhouse
This grant will provide supplies for their greenhouse and work to raise awareness of locally grown foods in an energy efficient environment. - Redwood Valley Schools – Robotics in the Classroom Project
They have a great partnership with Daktronics already and this will further that partnership. Their funding will go toward pneumatics kits that would be used extensively in their Transportation, Power and Energy course which is an advanced course for students in grades 10-12. - Westbrook-Walnut Grove YES! Team – Earth Braids Project
This team is making bracelets from old grocery bags and selling them to generate funds for future projects such as building and selling outdoor light and solar heaters for ice houses. - Windom Schools – 3D Printing Project
Working in conjunction with their STEM efforts and their robotics team, adding 3D printing capacity will further their opportunities for curriculum and hands-on learning.
These grants, in addition to funding for strategic planning and staffing for Prairire Woods Environmental Learning Center to continue and expand the program, are part of our transition from a hands-on administrative partner to a YES! funder. Moving forward, SWIF will support career, 21st-century skills, and leadership opportunities for youth in our region.
“Our mission is to be a catalyst, to help get things started,” said SWIF Program Officer Cheryl Glaeser. “YES! has empowered so many young leaders. We look forward to new roles and continued impact.