|
|
LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas School of Engineering is inviting high school girls across the state and throughout the region to learn about the world of possibilities that awaits them in engineering.
Engineer Your Career will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Burge Union at KU. The event coincides with the annual Engineering Expo, an open house that demonstrates the fun of engineering.
EYC is designed to give girls a glimpse of what engineering is, said Tia Smith, coordinator of the program and KU graduate student in environmental engineering.
"It's to familiarize the girls with the different disciplines in engineering," Smith said. "It's to give them an idea of what the options are."
The program also strives to show girls -- especially those who enjoy math and science -- that they can make their mark in engineering.
"I think a lot of people think (engineering) is a male-dominated field," Smith said. "But girls can do it. They do it every day."
EYC will begin with a continental breakfast and welcome session. At 9 a.m. participants will be transported to the Lied Center to hear the Engineering Expo remarks of keynote speaker Don Faught, president of Europe and Asia Pacific regions for DuPont Dow Elastomers, Geneva, Switzerland. Faught earned a degree in mechanical engineering from KU in 1973.
After Faught's presentation, the group will return to the Burge Union and be able to choose from presentations about the various engineering disciplines and the opportunities they present.
Lunch will be provided, and during that time the high school students will be able to quiz a panel of KU engineering students about whatever is on their minds -- from life in the dorms, to the challenges engineering students face, to preparing for college.
The program ends at 1 p.m., and participants are encouraged to visit the displays and events taking place in Learned Hall for Engineering Expo 2003.
Cost to attend is $10 per student and includes breakfast and lunch. Coordinators ask that each participant or group of participants have a chaperone. There is no charge for the chaperone.
To register or get more information, contact Tia Smith at (785) 864-2936 or tiasmith@ku.edu. Registration deadline is Feb. 14. Information also is available online at www.engr.ku.edu.
-30-