February 14, 2008

Contact: Amy Hewes
College of Engineering
805-756-6402
ahewes@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly Students Bring Engineering to K-12 Classrooms

Each year during National Engineers Week, Cal Poly students focus on outreach in order to broaden the academic and career opportunities of local K-12 students, and to empower youngsters with the knowledge that they can become the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.

This year, during the week of February 18-22, volunteers from Cal Poly's Society of Women Engineers will visit fourth grade classrooms to teach students about the field of engineering and lead them in hands-on science demonstrations.

"Our mission is to open the doors of the profession to young people, especially girls, who remain underrepresented," said event coordinator, Lesley Telford. "With SWE members serving as real-life role models, the program definitely plants a seed about career and college opportunities."

In addition, on Thursday, Feb. 21, a diverse coalition of Cal Poly engineering student groups will come together to engage local underprivileged high school students.

Cal Poly's Engineering Student Council (ESC), in collaboration with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA), will visit up to 170 students from several high schools throughout the Central Coast - Paso Robles, Shandon, Arroyo Grande, Pioneer Valley, Morro Bay and Santa Maria. There will be panel discussions along with question and answer sessions during each visit.

The outreach program targets students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are first generation high school and prospective college students. Several of the students already participate in MESA, which helps them develop academic and leadership skills, increase educational performance, and gain confidence in their ability to compete professionally.

"Coming from a non-engineering family myself, I feel like many students are deprived of the opportunity to build interest in engineering due to a lack of exposure," said event organizer Andrea Schmidt. "We want to give everyone an opportunity to learn about this exciting field. Engineers work on projects today that will change the way we live tomorrow."

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Schedule of fourth grade and high school visits:

Fourth Grade Days

1) Tuesday, February 19, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Teacher: Bill McConnell, room 15
    Monterey Road Elementary, Atascadero
    phone number for school: (805) 462-4288

2) Wednesday, February 20, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
    Teacher: Melanie Snowdy, room 16
    Monterey Road Elementary, Atascadero
    phone number for school: (805) 462-4288
    teacher contact email: msnowdy@atas.k12.ca.us

3) Thursday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Teacher: Katherine Kirby
    Monarch Grove Elementary, Los Osos
    phone number for school: (805) 534-2844
    teacher contact email: kkirby@slcusd.org

High School Outreach

1. Paso Robles High School, room 410: 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.     Contact: Ellalina Keller 237-3333 ext. 5581 or ekeller@king.prps.k12.ca.us (call the school at 237-3333 in advance of arrival)
2. Shandon High School: 8:20 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.     Contact: Leslie Haynes 238-0286
3. Arroyo Grande High School: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.     Contact: Christel Penton 474-3000 ext. 2109
4. Morro Bay High School: 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and 1:05 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.     Contact: Steve Gade (call the school at 771-1845 in advance of arrival)
5. Santa Maria High School: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.     Contact: Ben Wieman 925-2567