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Taiwan Tech Volunteers promotes rural tech access with STEAM workshops, win youth volunteer award.

The “Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team” formed by students from the Bachelor’s Program in Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology at Taiwan Tech, has long been dedicated to promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in rural areas. By integrating technology with local culture, their service initiative “Makers’ Spirit in Rural Action” earned them the 2nd Youth Volunteer Award – Sprout Star Award from the Youth Development Administration, Ministry of Education. On May 13, 2025, President Ching-te Lai personally received and commended the team for their outstanding contributions to rural education and tech equity.

Taiwan Tech's Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team was honored with the Youth Volunteer Award – Sprout Star Award by the Youth Development Administration, Ministry of Education. From left to right: Po-Wei Huang (Applied Science and Technology Program), advisor Chia-Wen Hu, Yu-Hsuan Liao (Applied Science and Technology), Kuan-Wei Liu (Mechanical Engineering), Yun-Hung Chen (Mechanical Engineering), and Li-Chi Chang (Applied Science and Technology).

Taiwan Tech's Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team was honored with the Youth Volunteer Award – Sprout Star Award by the Youth Development Administration, Ministry of Education.From left to right: Po-Wei Huang (Applied Science and Technology Program), advisor Chia-Wen Hu, Yu-Hsuan Liao (Applied Science and Technology), Kuan-Wei Liu (Mechanical Engineering), Yun-Hung Chen (Mechanical Engineering), and Li-Chi Chang (Applied Science and Technology).

The Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team was self-initiated by students from Taiwan Tech’s Honors Class in the Applied Science and Technology Program, many of whom are national skills competition winners with expertise in mechanical design, digital fabrication, and programming. Guided by the spirit of “Maker Mindset, Rural Action”, the team has brought STEAM outreach to rural areas like Yuli in Hualien, Emei in Hsinchu, Miaoli, and Nantou since 2023. They design age-appropriate hands-on courses - covering robotics, 3D printing, laser engraving, and more - infused with local cultural elements, enabling participants from ages 8 to 88 to engage with emerging technologies. The initiative has reached over 300 people to date.

By applying their technical skills to serve society, the team embodies the social responsibility of vocational education - transforming skills into a force for change. Their efforts were recognized with the Sprout Star Award, a testament to their long-term dedication. Team leader Yu-Hsuan Liao shared, “One of the most memorable moments was seeing a 78-year-old grandmother successfully use a 3D printing pen to make her name - it was so rewarding to see her joy.” He added that some rural children, after trying the robotics class, were inspired to pursue careers in engineering. “These moments reaffirm our belief that skills and education truly have the power to change lives.”

Skilled instructor Guan-Wei Liu (right) guides children in Nantou in creating laser-engraved wooden music boxes.

Skilled instructor Guan-Wei Liu (right) guides children in Nantou in creating laser-engraved wooden music boxes.

Yu-Hsuan Liao (right) from the “Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team” leads the group into Mingjian Township, Nantou, teaching seniors how to use 3D printing pens to create fun models - bringing emerging technology to the community and inspiring hands-on creativity for all ages.

Yu-Hsuan Liao (right) from the “Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team” leads the group into Mingjian Township, Nantou, teaching seniors how to use 3D printing pens to create fun models - bringing emerging technology to the community and inspiring hands-on creativity for all ages.

Professor Chia-Wen Hu, advisor of the Applied Science Program at Taiwan Tech, shared that every outreach activity by the “Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team” is entirely student-led - from curriculum planning and equipment preparation to hands-on teaching. The team integrates skilled talents across disciplines, translating complex tech concepts into accessible lessons infused with local cultural elements to make learning more engaging. Despite the challenges, students have demonstrated outstanding interdisciplinary collaboration and initiative. “Beyond bringing technology to rural communities,” Hu noted, “these talented young instructors have become role models, inspiring local children to envision broader possibilities through vocational education.”

Skilled instructors Kuan-Wei Liu (left) and Li-Chi Chang (right) explained the principles of electronic control and demonstrated wiring techniques.

Skilled instructors Kuan-Wei Liu (left) and Li-Chi Chang (right) explained the principles of electronic control and demonstrated wiring techniques.

Each activity organized by the “Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team” is fully student-led—from curriculum design and equipment preparation to on-site teaching and interaction—requiring the integration of skilled talents from diverse fields. Pictured: the team preparing for deployment.

Each activity organized by the “Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team” is fully student-led—from curriculum design and equipment preparation to on-site teaching and interaction—requiring the integration of skilled talents from diverse fields. Pictured: the team preparing for deployment.

Taiwan Tech actively supports student participation in University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives, encouraging students and faculty to apply their expertise and creativity to real-world challenges. The “Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team” is a prime example of this spirit - bringing technology to local communities through hands-on workshops and interactive teaching, helping bridge the urban-rural digital divide and turning learning into a powerful tool for change.

In the future, the team plans to expand collaborations with more vocational high schools to further promote technical and vocational education. They also aim for more national-level players to enter campuses to share their learning experiences and career development experiences, so that the technical and vocational spirit and the seeds of innovation can sprout among more young generations. The team hopes not only to teach skills but also to become messengers and connectors of hope.

President Lai Ching-te meets with the “Youth Volunteer Award” recipients. Taiwan Tech's Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team leader, Yu-Hsuan Liao (back row, far right), accepted the honor on behalf of the team. Photo courtesy of the Office of the President.

President Lai Ching-te meets with the “Youth Volunteer Award” recipients. Taiwan Tech's Sweet Potato Ball Volunteer Team leader, Yu-Hsuan Liao (back row, far right), accepted the honor on behalf of the team. Photo courtesy of the Office of the President.

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