Presented by: UTC Electrical Engineering (Mandy McWeeney)
Lunch (pizza) will be provided by CEC.
The Spark Your Mind program is a UTC Electrical Engineering outreach initiative that delivers mailed mini‑project kits to students in grades 4–7 across the Chattanooga Valley. Over the past two years, the program has introduced young learners to electrical engineering through engaging, hands‑on activities delivered directly to their homes or classrooms.
Supported by the Chattanooga Engineers Club, the program has achieved significant impact:
1,600+ Spark Boxes delivered (over 200 per month for four months, across two years)
400+ t‑shirts provided to participating students
A growing network of teachers, families, and community partners promoting STEM engagement
The session will provide a comprehensive Spark Box program summary, including:
How the initiative began
The target audience and community reach
Program logistics and accomplishments to date
Key milestones from the first two years
A proposal to expand the program in the upcoming year
Encourage STEM Engagement — Inspire curiosity and confidence in engineering.
Hands‑On Learning — Provide meaningful, project‑based experiences that spark creativity.
Community Connection — Strengthen ties between UTC, local schools, and young learners.
This presentation highlights a collaborative community effort—powered in part by the Chattanooga Engineers Club—to expand STEM opportunities for students across the region. Join us to learn how the Spark Your Mind program is shaping future engineers and how it plans to grow.