"Make Something" Scholarship

funds provided and allocated by: Jeff McGehee

My career path has led me to a place where I work in developing software systems with Artificial Intelligence capabilities. I know for a fact that the technology already exists to replace a large number of human workers, and it is only a matter of time before many unskilled workers are unfortunately "unemployable". Now, more than ever, the success of a young person's career depends on their ability to "make something" creative and useful that is beyond the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence.

Requirements:

• The applicant must be a student at Lewis County High School in Hohenwald, TN
• Applicants must have been accepted to a four year college. Though it is not required, a strong applicant will intend to major in math, an applied science, or engineering.
• The applicant shall use technology to "make something".

Selection:

• Top applicants will be selected for an in person interview.
• One applicant will be awarded the scholarship.
• Applicants will be judged based on the creativeness, usefulness, and overall quality of what they have made. While artistically oriented submissions will be considered, submissions that solve a specific problem (no matter how small) are encouraged.

Deadlines:

• All email submissions must be received by April 15, 2018
• Applicants selected for interview will be notified by April 25, 2018
• Interviews and awarding of the scholarship will take place in early May 2018

The Award:

• The top 3 selections will receive $100 cash to serve as reimbursement for their materials, but it can be used however they would like.
• The selected winner will receive $2500 to put towards Tuition, Books, Housing, or a Meal Plan at the college they will attend.

What to make?

• Consider your skills at making things. What have you made before? What would you like to learn how to make?
• Use the internet! It is your greatest advantage. There are tutorials everywhere. Your idea does not have to be original, but your submission must be made by you. If you follow a tutorial, note that you did so -- you will not be penalized unless you use someone else's instructions without proper attribution.
• Simple Examples:
• A birdhouse or similar small wooden object.
• Knit a scarf/hat.
• Special recipe for some sort of food -- be prepared to let the interviewer taste your recipe
• A photo collage
• A website that you built using an online tool.
• Better Examples:
• A website -- That you programmed yourself.
• A photo timelapse video -- Camera controlled by Arduino
• A solar powered cooking device.
• A scarf that lights up.
• A birdhouse with a webcam.
• A custom part for your car/truck/bike, etc.
• Good Resources:
• http://www.instructables.com/
• http://makezine.com/
• https://www.adafruit.com/
• http://hackaday.com/
• https://www.raspberrypi.org/
• http://www.ladyada.net/