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Session # 1793

Engineering a Difference: Outreach Component

Aisha K. Lawrey, Suzanne B. Heyman, & Ronald H. Rockland

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Abstract Preparing students for STEM careers is the thrust of our campaign. We hope to arm the future workforce with the tools needed to fill the high-tech and healthcare needs for the world’s future technology.

The Pre-Engineering Instructional and Outreach Program (PrE-IOP), a collaboration of the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s (NJIT) Center for Pre-College Programs and Newark College of Engineering, was created in 2001 to increase the future pool of qualified high-tech workers and professionals, especially underrepresented groups like minorities and women. This program is comprehensive in that it has two major components: outreach efforts and instructional methodologies. 1. The “Engineering the Future” outreach component consists of a comprehensive information campaign about the rewards of engineering and technology professions. 2. The “Education and Training Institute” instructional component implements pre- engineering curriculum in middle and high school classes.

This paper will focus on the programs of the “Engineering the Future” outreach component.

Introduction

An ASEE report says, “Engineering education programs must attract an ethnic and social diversity of students that better reflects the diversity of the U.S. and takes full advantage of the nation’s talent.” This is especially important since, according to the U.S. Department of Education, most of the 25 fastest growing careers over the next ten years will be in high-tech and healthcare industries. This growth means, the 21st century economy demands an educated and diverse workforce. Engineering, science, and technology jobs will have increased by 51% between 1998 and 2008. Despite the current soft economy, many high-tech industries have jobs that are going unfilled. The U.S. needs over 1.3 million new engineers, scientists, and computer experts by 2006. To fill these positions the US needs to attract more young men and women to the engineering profession.

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright @ 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Lawrey, A. (2004, June), Engineering A Difference: Outreach Component Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13164