There is a trend developing showing college students dropping out to pursue other dreams to hopefully change the world, and Eden Full is one of those looking to help Africa. Withdrawing from Princeton to pursue other dreams, she has built a low-cost solar panel and is starting to test it in Africa.
Peter Thiel is helping to fund such dreams after his own success backing an unknown internet company that turned into a major phenomenon called PayPal. For two years, he has been funding potential entrepreneurs under the age of 20. Thiel offers $50,000 a year for two years requiring no school, only a class if it is helpful for the person’s project.
However, be warned: it’s harder to get accepted into an Ivy League school like Princeton than to grab a Thiel Fellowship. The first of his fellows are now in their second year of the program and 20 newcomers were selected this summer. Applications for 2013 will began this fall where applicants are only required to be under 20 and must present their ideas in 2.5 minutes. It isn’t just restricted to Americans as applications have arrived from 42 countries (although presently, only six outside the US have been accepted including four from Canada, one from the UK, and one from Russia).
Full is testing her SunSaluter in Kenya which has seen obstacles arise such as local children attempting to unscrew the bolts. Her application can increase the energy efficiency of solar panels by 40%. For more information on Full’s SunSaluter efforts in Kenya, please see Canadian Teen Makes Cheaper, More Efficient Solar Tech.
Alternative Energy Africa is trying to reduce its own carbon footprint. Ask about our electronic subscriptions