ALC Student Given $500 Grip Tape Grant

McKay Ewell, an ALC Business and Media Production Capstone student received his $500 learning challenge grant from Grip Tape this week.  Through GripTape, 14-19 year olds can apply to do a project of their own choosing (e.g. learn how to build a bridge, start a business, learn how to 3D print, etc.) and, if accepted, receive $500 to implement it in 10 weeks along with help from a mentor. Grip Tape gives students support to pursue and seize control of their own learning.

In preparing their essay students were asked:

1. Share your passion. Tell us about the topic you want to pursue for your Learning Challenge.

2. The BIG Why? It’s important for us to know why this Learning Challenge matters to you.

3. This is a learning challenge. As you dive into your learning, what do you want to discover about your topic?

4. The 10 weeks are in your hands. In detail, tell us what you plan to do during that time.

McKay's essay involved learning how to fly a video drone to help his farming community more effectively manage water resources during the current drought affecting Utah.  McKay said "While flying a friend's drone over the rural fields and farmlands at my ranch and in my community, I surprisingly noticed some crop damage and watering issues in multiple fields, such as under watering, overwatering and even plant death.  With Utah being in a severe drought, I realized that by using drone technology I could help neighboring farmers manage their fields more efficiently by giving them a real-time view of their acreage.  By conserving water resources, and using them in the most productive way possible, we could potentially create a more sustainable and successful harvest.  I would like to use my drone skills to work with a neighboring fruit grower to fly over their field on a weekly basis and update them on crop quality and potential watering issues."  

McKay used his grant to buy a DJI Mini 2 ultralight and foldable drone quadcopter with a 4k camera. Congratulations McKay.  Have fun soaring the skies this summer!