Project Ventura

Project Ventura is a project on sustainable design at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders located in Austin, Texas. During their 10th grade year, students are to complete a large-scale, independent project that counts as a credit for the distinguished achievement diploma program. This year, the project is centered on the restoration and conversion of a 1977, 12-foot travel trailer into an "eco-trailer". Teams of 3-4 students were given a budget of $3000, with which they must come up with a design that includes re-framing, re-insulating, re-flooring, re-wiring, adding a fresh water holding tank and pump, installing solar panels, and using a minimum of 75% green materials. In mid February, each team will present their design to a professional panel of engineers who will determine the winning design. The winning design will then be implemented during the Spring semester if the funds are raised. Once the restoration and conversion take place, the trailer will serve as a school community trailer that different staff members and student groups can use to go camping.