Mentoring Opportunities Abound During Engineers Week

Engineers Week, the engineering community's annual outreach initiative for raising the public's understanding and awareness of the profession, is here again — and it's not too late to take part in the event's many activities. President Bush recently acknowledged the event, which will be celebrated from Feb. 17–23, with a letter that acknowledged the influence of Engineers Week on young people as well the importance of engineering to society-at-large.

"By harnessing the power of technology and science, engineers help transform and enhance the quality of life for people around the globe," President Bush wrote. "Their work spurs innovation in many important areas, such as manufacturing, defense, agriculture, and aviation. For nearly six decades, National Engineers Week has recognized engineers' contributions to society and encouraged young people to learn more about this exciting field.

"For generations, Americans have been at the forefront of innovation," the president continued. "To continue our nation's progress, maintain America's competitiveness, and carry on our legacy of innovation, our next generation of leaders must be well-versed in science, math, and other critical subjects … Through our combined efforts, we can motivate young Americans to become the next generation of pioneers in engineering."

You can do your part to help spur young people's interest in engineering by contributing your skills and experience as a mentor for one of Engineers Week 2008's many programs. These activities include the annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day on Feb. 21 (www.eweek.org/site/News/Eweek/
2008_nationalpledgeroster.shtml), the National Engineers Week Future City Competition (www.futurecity.org), classroom visits and extracurricular programs through the DiscoverE project (www.eweek.org/site/international/index.shtml), and the Grand Challenges for Engineering worldwide brainstorming session (www.engineeringchallenges.org).

Also taking place during Engineering Week 2008 will be the "Global Marathon For, By and About Women in Engineering," a live Web cast and teleconference that will run continuously from noon March 26 through noon on March 27 (Eastern Time) at www.eweek.org. Presentations and question-and-answer sessions will be submitted from participants throughout the world, with North America leading off at noon on Wednesday. Created in 2005, the 2008 Global Marathon is hosted by Verizon Business.

For a state-by-state breakdown of Engineers Week events, visit the National Engineers Week Scheduled Events Forum at www.eweek.org/site/forums/forums.asp?ForumSection=1.

To read the Presidential Message to Engineers, go to www.eweek.org/site/News/Features/bush_2008.shtml.

To find out more about Engineers Week 2008, visit www.asme.org/Education/
PreCollege/Engineers_Week_Engineers_Make.cfm, or www.eweek.org.

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