Utah High School Students Can Build Real EV in New Summer Program

Students work on wiring for an electric vehicle from Switch Vehicles' Switch Labs program.

LOGAN, Utah — April 27, 2026 — This July, a select group of high school students in Northern Utah will have the opportunity to build a real electric vehicle (EV) as part of the new ASPIRE Summer EV Academy program. This hands-on, five-day STEM workshop is designed to introduce students to the rapidly evolving world of electrified transportation.  

“Project-based learning, like ASPIRE’s innovative EV Academy, ignites students’ understanding of STEM and their motivation to pursue STEM careers by building confidence, making concepts real, and strengthening the problem‑solving and collaboration skills employers value”, said Jennifer Taylor, who is Director of Pre-College Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder — an ASPIRE partner.  

Hosted at ASPIRE’s headquarters — the Electric Vehicle and Roadway (EVR) facility at Utah State University — the program will immerse students in the fundamentals of electric vehicle systems. Students will gain understanding and hands-on experience with electrical wiring, battery components, and more, using a street-legal vehicle platform developed by Switch Vehicles Inc.  

Only 15 students will be selected to participate in the pilot program, which will take place during the last week of July.  

Building Skills for the Future of Transportation  

As electrification continues to reshape the transportation sector, programs like the Summer EV Academy aim to create early pathways for students to explore careers in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and energy systems.  

“As a high school student, this would have been a wonderful opportunity to not just hear about engineering in the classroom, but to actually see the engineering environment and what the work actually looks like while learning technical skills.” said Sally Vogel, a recent ASPIRE graduate from USU who now works as an electrical engineer at the Center. “The immersive nature of it also gives students a better idea of what resources are in the valley, giving them greater knowledge to take with them when they graduate high school.”  

Participants will engage in a condensed curriculum focused on:  

  • Electrical wiring and system integration  
  • EV battery fundamentals  
  • Core vehicle components and functionality  
  • Real-world applications of electrification technologies  
Students at the Community College of Philadelphia work on an electric vehicle from Switch Vehicles' Switch Labs program.

Students at the Community College of Philadelphia work on an electric vehicle from Switch Vehicles’ Switch Labs program.

Photo courtesy of Switch Vehicles Inc.

From Classroom Concepts to Real-World Application  

Unlike traditional classroom-based learning, the program emphasizes applied experience. Students will work directly with EV systems, gaining practical insight into how vehicles are designed, assembled, and operated.  

“This Switch Lab EV program offers something truly unique for high school students in Utah: a summer learning experience hosted at Utah State University where students can work directly with real EV technology,” said Brandon Watt, marketing and community manager at Switch Vehicles, Inc. “Through ASPIRE, students will gain access to a university environment, apply technical skills, and see how electrification connects to future education and career opportunities. Not many students can say they built and drove a real EV during summer break.”   

The program also introduces students to broader questions shaping the future of transportation, including infrastructure needs, energy systems, and the role of emerging technologies.  

A Growing Workforce Development Effort  

The ASPIRE Summer EV Academy is part of a broader effort to expand workforce development opportunities in electrification and infrastructure, with partners working to build a pipeline from education to industry careers.  

By engaging students early, the program supports long-term goals to strengthen the talent pipeline needed to support advancements in electric mobility and energy systems.  

Program Details   

  • Dates: July 27-31, 2026  
  • Location: ASPIRE EVR  
                         670 N. 1550 E.  
                         North Logan, Utah, 84341  
  • Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 (2026–27 school year)  
  • Capacity: 15 students  

Applications are now open and will be accepted through June 1.  

More information can be found on ASPIRE’s webpage, and registration is now open.  

About ASPIRE  

ASPIRE, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center headquartered at Utah State University, leads groundbreaking research and development 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 emissions, 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. Learn more at aspire.usu.edu.     

Media Contact  

Kat Webb  
Content Director, ASPIRE  
kat.webb@usu.edu  
435.797.9159  E, visit aspire.usu.edu.