The University of Louisiana Monroe will host the 3rd Annual KidWind Challenge on Thursday, January 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Bayou Pointe Event Center, located at 1 Warhawk Way on ULM’s campus.
The event is a collaborative effort between ULM, the STEM Collective for Innovative Louisiana Stakeholders (SCILS) Region 8 LaSTEM Center, KidWind, and Pattern Energy. More than 150 local middle school students are expected to participate in the hands-on learning experience.
The KidWind Challenge introduces students to renewable energy concepts through interactive design challenges focused on wind and solar power. Working in teams, students will design, construct, and test small-scale wind turbines while participating in additional engineering and problem-solving activities.
Michael Arquin, founder and director of KidWind, praised the program’s growth in northeast Louisiana. “KidWind is astounded and amazed at the growth and success of our programming in Monroe and the surrounding region. We thank the team at ULM for their hard work, Pattern Energy for their support, and the teachers and students for the passion and energy they bring to this project,” Arquin said.
Educators also emphasize the event’s educational value. Carrifrances Alexander, a teacher at Cedar Creek, highlighted the real-world impact on students. “KidWind is one of the most authentic learning experiences my students participate in. It aligns seamlessly with my AP Environmental Science curriculum and gives students hands-on experience in renewable energy. They become fully immersed in the research, design, and development of wind turbines. I can’t think of a better way for students to explore the science and importance of renewable energy,” Alexander said.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event.