The Summer Institute for Technology & Engineering (SITE)
ELiTE currently facilitates the Summer Institute for Technology and Engineering (SITE) program in both Ghana and Jamaica. SITE is a summer enrichment program offered free of charge for local high school students. Each class is facilitated by one volunteer from a university in the U.S. and one volunteer from a local university. Classes for the SITE programs will run Monday through Friday for three weeks on school campuses. Days are divided to include experimentation and student led discussions in the morning, followed by a comprehensive design project in the afternoon. Topics of instruction include Biochemistry, Electronics, Business Technology, and Engineering Physics.
On a typical day in our electronics class, students would be given breadboards and electronic components to perform experiments with and record observations. After an hour of structured experimentation, our facilitators would lead student discussions to compare observations, develop theories, and express relationships which could then be derived into equations. Later in the program students might be asked to apply what they have learned to complete design projects in class. Students could be given solar panels, rechargeable batteries, and basic electronics components, then asked to design and build solar powered lanterns.
In the time outside of program hours, facilitators will have the opportunity to travel and explore the country. Our staff can make arrangements for guided tours of attractions if there is interest. Weekend trips to beaches, remote villages, or metropolitan centers are all feasible options.
GHANA SITE
In Ghana we have built a partnership with the Ghana chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Ghana. Through Ghana NSBE and EWB Ghana we have formed relationships with a number of secondary schools and universities.
The SITE: Ghana program will take place from August 1st through August 26th at Cape Coast University in the Cape Coast region of Ghana. Instructors for our Cape Coast program will be provided with shared housing in a university dormitory or in nearby apartments for the duration of the program. Facilitators will also have the opportunity to shop for food and supplies in the local marketplace or purchase food from local establishments and roadside vendors. Meals consisting of locally prepared dishes can be purchased for as little at $2 per plate.
Facilitators will utilize local transportation to navigate the country. Some facilitators may feel comfortable traveling in hired taxis while others may wish to travel in shared vans or buses. Both systems are safe, fast, and reliable. Hired taxis however may charge foreigners up to 10 times more for the same trip. Travelers will be provided with cell phone numbers of frequently used drivers offering reliability, a sense of security, and competitive rates.
Guided tours may be arranged to visit beaches, cultural craft centers, animal reserves, shopping districts, and athletic competitions.
JAMAICA SITE
In Jamaica we have built a partnership with the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston. SITE: Jamaica will be held at the UTech school of engineering where we will be supported by student leaders, student groups, professors, and admistrators. The program will take place from July 4th through July 29th.
Instructors for our Kingston program will be provided with shared housing in a University of West Indies dormitory or in nearby apartments for the duration of the program. Facilitators will also have the opportunity to shop for food and supplies in the local markets or purchase food from local establishments and roadside vendors. Meals consisting of locally prepared dishes can be purchased for as little at $4 per plate.
Facilitators will utilize local transportation to get around the country. Hired taxis and public buses are available, however it is recommended that facilitators take taxis whenever possible. Travelers will be provided with cell phone numbers of frequently used drivers offering reliability, a sense of security, and competitive rates.
Guided tours may be arranged to visit beaches (all coasts), mountain excursions, visits to water falls, shopping districts, and local cultural centers.
