Wiring the Future: ASPIRE’s Summer EV Academy

During the week of July 27-31, 2026, 15 high school students explored STEM technology through ASPIRE’s Summer EV Academy. They gained hands-on experience building an electric vehicle while learning about the electrical, mechanical, and environmental aspects of transportation electrification.

Hosted at ASPIRE’s headquarters, the Electric Vehicle and Roadway (EVR) facility at Utah State University, the five-day academy immersed students in the fundamentals of electric vehicles through team-based learning and project-focused activities. Participants rotated through roles including foreman, parts manager, note taker and technician, giving each student opportunities to contribute to the vehicle build while developing leadership, communication and technical skills.

For many students, the scale of the project exceeded expectations.

“I knew we were going to be building a car, I didn’t know it would be this fun, and I didn’t know I’d enjoy it this much,” said Kayden Spencer, freshman.

Building an EV 

Throughout the week, students learned about the major systems that make up an EV, from batteries and charging systems, to electric motors and controllers, and even drivetrain components. Lessons explored how electrification extends beyond passenger vehicles to include buses, trains, boats, aircraft and semitrucks. Students also discussed the benefits and challenges associated with EV adoption, including efficiency, emissions reductions, charging infrastructure, and battery technology.

The academy blended classroom concepts with hands-on learning. Students participated in electrical safety activities, motor and magnet demonstrations, battery energy system lessons, flash-card games focused on battery technologies, Kahoot and a Jeopardy-style review game that challenged them to apply what they learned throughout the week.

For instructor Kayleigh Kearsley, ASPIRE’s Marketing & Communications Intern and English Education major, creating an immersive, experience-based environment was a key objective.

“One of our priorities with this EV Academy was creating an authentic, immersive learning opportunity,” Kearsley said. “The best way to learn is through experience, and by providing these high schoolers with an engineering experience, they were able to see how their hobbies could fit into the field of engineering.”

But building the EV from Switch Vehicles, Inc., remained the highlight of the students’ experience.

“My favorite part was, like, building the car and, like, having a good experience with everybody, you know, like making new friends as well,” said Aiden Munoz, a junior who travelled from out of state to participate in the program.

Several participants said the hands-on nature of the academy made the lessons more meaningful. Evan Kohler, a sophomore, said he enjoyed “actually working with stuff and making things, just wiring or like screwing on bolts, all that stuff,” while Patrick Howell, sophomore, said one of his favorite tasks was “putting in the wire to the pad and hook everything up.”

Gaining Foundational Skills  

For Cameron Cox, a USU engineering student and academy instructor, helping students engage with complex engineering concepts was one of the most rewarding parts of the program.

“Leading the EV Academy was the most rewarding part of my internship this summer,” Cox said. “I wanted to show these students just how exciting electrical engineering can be. That meant diving into EV battery systems, finding ways to make advanced subjects more approachable, and redesigning our Relay Lab Kits so every student got hands-on building experience.”

As the build progressed, many participants developed a new appreciation for the complexity of modern electric vehicles.

“Most people would say that it’s impossible for a group of high schoolers to build an electric car in one week,” Cox stated. “These students finished it in three days!”

As students assembled components, wired systems and worked through mechanical challenges, they gained firsthand insight into the engineering behind electric transportation. They also spent time inside ASPIRE’s research facilities, where participants were introduced to technologies and projects helping advance transportation electrification.

“I think the amount of electrical, like wires and stuff, that went into it was seriously like a lot,” said freshman Jonah Davis.

Mitchel Millecam shared a similar perspective.

“Something that surprised me was just how complicated the electrical components actually are,” said the sophomore. “I didn’t realize that there were so many wires that had to deal with everything.”

For some students, those experiences helped clarify future educational and career interests. Forest MacMurdo, senior, said the academy aligned with his interest in electrical engineering.

“I’m interested in batteries specifically, as part of electrical engineering, so that it’s a little bit interesting to learn more about batteries and how those work,” MacMurdo said.

Beyond the technical lessons, students frequently highlighted the relationships they built throughout the week. Working together on a shared project required communication, patience and collaboration as teams navigated challenges and celebrated successes. Hope Miller, an ASPIRE research assistant and instructor for the academy, said the collaborative environment was one of the most rewarding aspects of the academy.

“I was very impressed with how the students worked together to solve problems and their desire to learn both in the classroom and on the car,” Miller said. “I wish I had had this opportunity in high school to learn about the real-world applications of engineering and help me see what was possible in my future.”

“My favorite part of this camp has been the people,” said Hannah Sun, freshman. “It’s really been great to interact with these guys.”

The academy also encouraged students to approach challenges through teamwork and problem-solving rather than simply following instructions. Whether troubleshooting wiring issues or assembling components, participants were expected to work together to identify solutions.

“I really like, like, the hands-on building and like being able to figure stuff out,” said Dexter Murri, freshman. “You kind of figure it out, and you work with, like, your peers and try and find problems and how to make it work.”

Powering the Careers of the Future 

Participants attended an electrification career panel featuring ASPIRE leaders, engineers, researchers and communications professionals who shared their educational backgrounds, career journeys and perspectives on working in a rapidly evolving industry. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about college pathways, professional experiences and the skills needed in engineering and technology fields.

After spending the week assembling, wiring and troubleshooting the vehicle, students had the opportunity to drive the EV and participated in ASPIRE driving and riding simulations. The experience allowed them to see the direct results of their work while gaining a deeper appreciation for the engineering that powers electric transportation.

By the end of the academy, participants had gained experience with EV technology, teamwork and technical problem-solving while developing a better understanding of how electrification is transforming transportation. Following the success of the pilot program, ASPIRE is exploring opportunities to offer future Summer EV Academy programs, creating additional opportunities for high school students to gain exposure to engineering, electrification and emerging transportation technologies.

For the latest news, publications, and research highlights from ASPIRE, visit aspire.usu.edu. 

Contact: 
Kat Webb 
Brand & Strategic Communication Manager, ASPIRE 

Writer:  
Anna Cliff 
Marketing & Communication Specialist, ASPIRE 

ABOUT ASPIRE 

ASPIRE, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center headquartered at Utah State University, leads groundbreaking research and development at the transportation-grid edge to accelerate electrification. With over 400 global collaborators, ASPIRE focuses on creating seamless, affordable electrified transportation systems, accessible for all vehicle classes, along with the public infrastructure needed to support them. By reducing costs, improving air quality, and fostering economic growth through job creation and workforce training, ASPIRE’s work spans engineering, social science, policy, and business. Partnering with top universities, industry leaders, and community groups, ASPIRE is driving the future of advanced transportation-grid systems. Learn more at aspire.usu.edu.