FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2023
Media Contact: Alex Hand, NK Chamber of Commerce
401.295.5566
North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce’s WindWinRI hosting Rhode Island’s Third Annual Regional High School Wind Turbine Competition on April 29, 2023 at the Community College of Rhode Island- Knight Campus in Warwick
North Kingstown, RI- The North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce’s WindWinRI, offshore wind career training pathway system, continues to support Rhode Island in developing a trained workforce for both youth and adults through a RealJobsRI grant. The program is hosting their third annual regional Rhode Island High School Wind Turbine Competition with nationally recognized KidWind on April 29th at the Community College of Rhode Island Knight Campus in Warwick.
This year’s competition will include two divisions: the KidWind Division and the Advanced Division. This will expand on the competition that was piloted in Rhode Island last year. All teams will be using Whitebox simulation software to design, 3D print, and test turbine blades. Those entering the KidWind Division will be using a KidWind generator whereas those in the Advanced Division can use a home-built generator or a purchased generator.
“We are very excited that this innovative event designed by WindWinRI and incorporated into their offshore wind high school certification program is back. The WindWinRI Rhode Island Regional High School Wind Turbine Competition is a hands-on dynamic opportunity for our state’s youth to be engaged in renewable energy and build an awareness of offshore wind-related careers. This industry represents a vital component of our state’s continued growth, and training opportunities like this one where students learn about the engineering design process for wind turbines is critically important to our economic growth and helping those students find sustainable, successful careers.”- Matthew Weldon, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
The competition is open to all high school students to compete in either division. Any new school entering the competition would most likely register to compete in the KidWind Division unless they already have students and a designated teacher who has experience in the engineering design process. The advanced level of this competition is at the collegiate level. Participating schools can receive test kits and technical consultation, if requested.
The top two teams that win the KidWind Division and the Advanced Division will qualify to compete in the KidWind National Competition in May in Colorado.
For high schools and students who are interested in participating in the competition, please visit www.northkingstown.com or contact info@northkingstown.com.