ELE Momentum Program

Enhanced Learning Experience (ELE) is a way for high school students to experience the Electrical Engineering Department at USC.

A collaboration between the Outreach program and EE Dept., ELE reaches out to interested high school students all over the state. Dr. Donn Griffith and Ms. Jennifer Illian play a major role in not only the logistics of ELE, but also the communication and attracting interested schools.

Groups of students from high schools all around SC, including high caliber students who want to visit USC, robotics teams, and those specifically interested in our Department, take part in this exciting program. A few schools that have already participated include Palmetto HS, Laurens District 55 HS, James F. Byrnes HS, and Columbia HS to name a few.

A group of our accomplished undergraduate students assist with a presentation describing college life in general, what EE is, and information about the department itself. During the presentation, we also go over Electrical Engineers’ projected salaries, and some interesting facts about different famous Electrical Engineers. Our undergrad students developed a laser board and “tuition game,” which uses a laser to light up the correct answer. The high school students love to hear from our undergrad students, as they can give the potential students a great account of their experience as an undergrad in the Department.

After lunch, the high school students spend the rest of the day with our Lab Manager, Mr. David Metts. In the lab, they take part in a hands-on activity, as well as view demonstrations given by Mr. Metts. The students walk away with a new-found knowledge of Electrical Engineering, as well as glimpsing into the lives of our undergrad students.

Here are a few comments from the high school students:

Palmetto High School: “Everything was interesting. I appreciate interaction with actual students.”

James F. Byrnes High School: “You guys did a good job sparking my interest. I definitely want to come to USC now and major in EE.”

James F. Byrnes High School: “I love this college! The instructor and helpers did a great job! They should feel accomplished!”