Raleigh Water partnered with East Wake Magnet High School for “Project Invent,” giving students an opportunity to address real-world challenges faced by water professionals, according to a May 27 announcement. The initiative aimed to engage local students in problem-solving activities related to water infrastructure.
During the project, each class spoke with Dempsey E. Benton Water Treatment Plant Chief Operator Blake Foster, discussing aspects of his job and the daily challenges encountered by Raleigh Water crews. Students then formed teams to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, design prototypes, and develop their inventions. Teams regularly consulted Foster throughout the process as they refined their ideas in preparation for Demo Day.
Demo Day provided a platform for each team to present their inventions before a panel of judges who evaluated the projects through questions and feedback. Several teams received awards: Team H2O earned the Explorer Award for prioritizing learning; Better Pipe won the Needfinder Award for demonstrating attentiveness to user needs; Above the Water received the Product Pivot Award for overcoming obstacles during development.
After Demo Day concluded, Foster said about his experience with students, “It was so refreshing seeing so many high school students being so interested in our water infrastructure. They asked a lot of good questions both about the technical side of water and questions about entering in the career of water treatment.”
The City of Raleigh is led by an elected city council supported by a city manager who oversees operations such as public services and budget management, according to the official website. Raleigh serves districts A through E within North Carolina and has implemented changes like adjustments to election terms through ordinances passed by its council.
Organizers thanked participating students, Ms. Sylvestre, and Project Share for contributing to what they described as a unique educational experience.
