We aim to significantly increase children's interest in our activities and sustain that interest throughout their academic careers. Engineers-to-be need to be inspired and feel connected to remain engaged and the Quality of Life Technology (QoLT) Center is committed to broadening educational opportunities for all young students. Several of these are listed below.

QoLT Summer Institute (QSI)

Six middle school or high school students underrepresented in engineering careers (minorities, girls and students with disabilities) are participating in the QoLT Summer Institute (QSI). Students are recommended and recruited from the same schools as the RET teachers. Students participate in engineering projects addressing disability and aging in the community.

The QSI includes topics on aging, disability, universal design, community accessibility, and presentation skills and resume development. Students receive a QSI certificate and QSI/QoLT uniform upon completion of the 6-week session. QSI graduates get to participate in QoLT education and outreach activities during the academic school year for K-12 students and older adults.

Tech-Link Robotics Camp

We are continuing the Tech-Link program's FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League (FLL) robotic camp sessions for middle school students with and without disabilities, girls and minorities. Each year, 15-20 middle-school students participate in this program. The campers are mentored by 4-5 graduate/undergraduate engineering students or professionals. Tech-Link teams approach the engineering solution to the specific FLL research project from a disability perspective. Students routinely interview adult end-users, experience hands-on use of assistive technology, and review prior engineering research to complete their research project.

Students are trained as QoLT Ambassadors, and are given opportunities at their schools to share their experiences with their classmates during the academic year.

Disability Awareness Program

Easter Seals of western Pennsylvania has a variety of dolls with disabilities that are used in a K-3 disability awareness program. We will work with members of the Easter Seals to include QoLT themes to this program and reach more students in the community. Easter Seals will also be included in the QoLT Summer Institute and the Tech-Link FLL camps.