• Case Study
• March 11, 2025
Lectec Empowers NJ Students at Climate Summit & Rutgers Maker Camp
Hands‑On EV Engineering Meets Climate Education
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Written by
Luke St. Amand
School:
Location:
Grades:
Program:
Products:
NJ Division of Education Climate Summit & Rutgers Middle / High School Summer Maker Camp
New Brunswick, NJ
Middle / High School
Maker Camp
Lectec Skateboards & Scooters V3, Safety Kits
Overview
The New Jersey Department of Education’s climate grant fosters immersive learning experiences around climate change and sustainable innovation. Lectec joined this mission by leading a hands-on electric vehicle (EV) engineering workshop at the Climate Summit, where students built electric skateboards and scooters while exploring battery systems, motors, and gears. Following the summit, Lectec continued its impact at Rutgers’ annual Middle & High School Summer Maker Camp
Why NJ DOE & Rutgers Chose Lectec
STEM learning often becomes too abstract - especially when tied to urgent topics like climate change. Lectec bridges the gap by offering real-world, hands-on engineering experiences that make STEM relevant and exciting. Their engaging, build-first approach aligns seamlessly with grant goals and the camp’s spirit of innovation.
Students building the electric skateboards; Luke speaking to the middle and high school classes.
Program Implementation
At the Climate Summit: Students assembled electric skateboards and scooters in a dynamic workshop led by Lectec. They gained practical engineering insights - working with batteries, gears, motors - and heard Lectec’s founding story (“electric + technology”), tapping into the real-life journey of two friends creating what they wished they’d had as aspiring engineers.
High school students working with the electric skateboard kit.
At the Rutgers Maker Camp: Participants built and rode the Lectec scooter kits. The experience culminated in a Shark Tank-style pitch where students presented their engineering process, prototypes, and solutions.
Lending Library: Rutgers plans to launch a lending library, allowing surrounding schools to borrow Lectec kits and materials throughout the school year. This initiative is designed to extend the reach of the program, making hands-on STEM learning more accessible to schools that may not otherwise have the resources to offer experiences like this.
One student assembling the electric skateboard, others behind doing the same.
Outcomes
Though formal evaluation data (e.g. confidence or interest percentages) are not yet available, the program’s immediate impact is clear. Students were visibly engaged - reporting excitement about building EVs, improved understanding of electrical and mechanical concepts, and a deeper connection to climate education. The hands-on format sparked creativity, collaboration, and applied learning that traditional lessons often miss.
Building on the success of the summit and camp, Rutgers is now establishing a lending library program, where Lectec kits and supplies will be made available to surrounding schools. This initiative ensures that the impact of the program extends beyond a single event, enabling more students and educators to benefit from access to hands-on STEM experiences throughout the academic year.
Students waiting outside with skateboard and helmets.
Interested in implementing Lectec?
Final Thoughts
Lectec’s participation demonstrates how immersive, real-world engineering - not just theory - can ignite student passion for STEM and climate solutions. The combined experience of the Climate Summit and Rutgers Maker Camp highlights Lectec’s ability to empower young innovators.
Ready to bring this transformative experience to your students?
Book a Demo or Request a Quote today - and let’s electrify STEM education together!
Middle school students getting ready to assemble the skateboard kit.
