Oregon 2026

Early College High School

Salem, OR

PROJECT TITLE
C.O.S.M.O - Collaborative Observing Social Management Object
a collaborative device for fostering social connection between special needs children

PROJECT GOAL: “Special needs”classrooms are designed to help and support special needs students thrive and learn to their fullest extent. Before a student can thrive, however, trust needs to be built between classmates, and especially their teacher. For the first two years of class, the teacher devotes most of their time to this purpose. For these first two years, students have a difficult time communicating with one another, let alone learning skills to help them get ahead.

All members of GTW have experience with special needs children, Becket was a summer camp counselor for children, Mia works at the boys and girls club, and Andrew volunteered to help a special needs classroom in elementary school. Because of this background, we decided to help a Special Needs teacher. We asked our counselor for contacts for Forest Ridge, a nearby elementary school that Andrew and Mia went to, and scheduled an in-person interview with one of the special needs staff there.

Our interview with our client resulted in her stating that “I want a way to make it easier for me to be approachable to new students, and to get people forming social connections they otherwise wouldn’t”. They mentioned important concepts like accessibility, child friendliness, and the desire for alternative pathways for learning. Because of this, we decided to build a game console for special needs kids.

Melody Ferch, Mia Curtis, Becket Lush, Andrew Curtispopup

TEAM MEMBERS: Melody Ferch, Mia Curtis, Becket Lush, Andrew Curtis

TEAM ADVISOR(S): Jo’Lynn Espinosa

Parkrose Middle School

Portland, OR

PROJECT TITLE
Project PONCHOS
Portable, Outdoor, Non-expensive Cooling & Heating Operating System for the Parkrose School Community

PROJECT GOAL: Many Parkrose students struggle with staying warm or cool during extreme weather. This is due to many families struggling financially. Thus, many students have to stretch the use of their clothes or wear “hand-me-downs.” However, they may feel insecure or embarrassed while wearing them at school. When students' needs aren't met, they can’t focus in school. We want to help students feel comfortable and included in the Parkrose community.

We first began by interviewing various school personnel about what students struggle with every day. In our interview with our client, Ms. Read, the school counselor, we learned that Parkrose has many students who struggle to stay warm or cool in extreme weather. Our research showed that Parkrose has approximately 150 students identified as homeless, many of whom cannot afford strong, effective, weatherproof clothing that ranges from $50 to $300. In addition, most clothing can only protect from one type of weather.

Our research also revealed that the USDA reported low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, like Parkrose, are more likely to experience elevated levels of intra-urban heat island intensity than other areas. In addition, we have experienced record-low temperatures in our area this winter. We agree that many of the current solutions to this issue are not affordable, easily accessible, and comfortable for many Parkrose students.

Khanh Pham, Emily Strohmayer, Dax Richardson, Jackson Vopopup

TEAM MEMBERS: Khanh Pham, Emily Strohmayer, Dax Richardson, Jackson Vo

TEAM ADVISOR(S): Amy Le

Elizabeth Stock, Oregon 2026 MESA Director | Jonas Hudnall, Rules Committee | State Website

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