TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily)— Tempe high school students are receiving an exciting and unique opportunity that will prepare them for college and the real world.

Corona Del Sol students make prosthetic hands thanks to a grant from SRP. They say the prosthetics will be delicate enough to handle everyday objects like a remote control.

“It’s probably the most fun project I’ve done so far because you get to see its real-world applications and how important it can be in the world,” senior Gary Hoffland said.

In this project, their teacher, Melissa Wendell, wants their creations to help people with various hand disorders.

“In the engineering industry, there’s always someone who wants a different request,” Wendell said.

The prototypes were made from cardboard and string. The plan is to 3D print the students’ creations and then add robotic movement to the hands.

Wendell said there is a good chance these future engineers will be able to create life-changing products.

“I really hope they remember the human factor in design. I hope they remember the different measurements and how humans interact with their design,” she said.

Thanks to the grant she received from the PER, Wendell was able to offer her students this unique opportunity. She used the grant money to purchase the 3D printer her students are using for the project!

The SRP awards grants for all kinds of subjects, not just engineering. Teachers from across the valley can apply. To learn more about SRP’s educational grants and scholarship opportunities, click/tap here.

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