The Savannah Engineering Academy summer program concluded Friday at Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, giving local high school students hands-on experience with experts in engineering as they look to pursue careers in the demanding field.
Founded in 2004 and run entirely by volunteers, the Savannah Engineering Academy — which took place Monday through Friday — features local professional engineers from a variety of disciplines.
Jerry Reeves, secretary of the SEA, said he believed that this year’s program was the best yet.
“This was our strongest year because of our volunteers, sponsors and the caliber of students enrolled,” he said.
Mike Zaitz, treasurer of the SEA, emphasized the program’s uncanny ability to give students a chance to participate in several fields.
“The main purpose of this program is to expose students to a variety of engineering disciplines through activities and tours,” Zaitz said.
Throughout the week, students built LED flashlights, took riverboat tours of the Savannah River and engaged in site visits to various facilities such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Georgia Transformer Corp. and JCB.
Students on Friday used foam and wires to build ROVs — otherwise known as robotic oceanic vehicles. Students then got the chance to test their vehicles in mini-pools.
For the next activity, students worked with engineers from Obrien & Gere to make edible aquifers. They made their own aquifers using ingredients such as soda, ice, marshmallows, chocolate chips, ice cream, cereal and sprinkles. Most consumed their creations at the end.
For the final event of the day, the local engineering volunteers conducted a panel with students and parents. The engineers shared their own experiences finding internships and jobs in their respective fields. They also advised students on how to translate their time spent at the SEA into an engineering career.
Some students said that their weeklong experiences at the SEA made them change their minds about career paths. For example, some admitted to starting the week with an interest in aerospace engineering, but they ended with a newfound interest in civil engineering.
Most students agreed that the site visits were the best part of the week.
“The tour of FlightSafety Enterprise was my favorite event because it allowed me to learn more about aerospace engineering,” student Connor Runyan said.
Student Coleman Coffee said: “My favorite event was our tour of Gulfstream Aerospace because it was both informative and entertaining.”
According to Reeves, there is a shortage of engineers in the area, and this program is a partial remedy to such a shortage. Through engaging activities and site visits, the program sparks interest in the field.
Above all, Reeves said, the SEA’s main goal is to “foster and cultivate engineers of the next generation.”