​What is YEP?

YEP introduces 4th through 12th graders to careers in STEM fields through a design challenge. The participants are paired with engineering students from Stanford University, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University and professionals employed in the tech industry. We compete in the annual design competition at The Tech Interactive. The teams address a specific design challenge over a 14-week period. Using a project-based learning approach, participants are engaged in hands-on design activities and workshops that provide opportunities to learn about the engineering process.

Core program activities entail designing, constructing, and prototyping of a device as preparation for competing in the Tech Challenge. Students work collaboratively in teams to brainstorm, prototype and test their device to achieve the goals of the competition.  Another aspect of the engineering design process that students learn is presenting, documenting and “selling” their device design to a panel of judges. We emphasize failing is part of the engineering process and an opportunity to learn.  Exposure to and understanding of different engineering fields teach the participants how these disciplines can help improve society.

Mentors play a critical role in teaching the practical applications of science and engineering.  A requirement of our mentors is that they must be engineering students actively enrolled in a local university or in a profession from the tech industry. For most of our economically disadvantaged participants it is very inspiring to see mentors who may come from similar backgrounds striving for and reaching their goals. The relationship provides a venue where mentees can ask questions about how their mentors made their way through school, college and beyond. The mentors are not only providing the students technical support and soft skills to be successful engineers & scientists.