Columbia University Brings Engineering Experts to Local Schools

By
Cassandra Nathan
December 09, 2019

Across STEM fields, there are gender and racial gaps which have continued to widen nationally. To broaden equity and inclusion in STEM, engaging more female and minority students through outreach is important in encouraging students to successfully pursue higher education and careers in STEM. Columbia Engineering strives to reduce these gaps through Outreach at Columbia Engineering (OCE) programs such as SHAPE, E.N.G., Engineering Speaks, and Inside Engineering.

SHAPE is a selective summer program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in STEM.  Engineering the Next Generation (E.N.G) is an academic summer research opportunity for highly motivated and under-represented high school students who have demonstrated an interest in STEM. Inside Engineering invites school groups into Columbia Engineering labs to show students what engineering looks like in practice. Engineering Speaks gives engineers from Columbia the opportunity to speak directly to students in local schools.

Recently, Prof. Mike Massamino, a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Columbia University and a former NASA astronaut took part in the Engineering Speaks program. He spoke to middle school students at MS 302 and PS 126 about his career, with the goal of inspiring them to learn more about STEM. Prof. Massamino is one of many at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences who are dedicated to inspiring local K-12 students. This talk was also made in partnership with Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth, OCE relies on partnerships with schools and organizations in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx in order to connect with K-12 communities.

If you would like to bring an engineer to your school or bring your students to visit Columbia Engineering, visit the OCE website to learn more or sign up directly on Explorable Places.

 

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