Model for a K-12 engineering pipeline

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

12-1-2003

Abstract

The Center for Pre-College Programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offers initiatives and programs designed to increase educational opportunities for inner-city youngsters, and to improve the quality of education at the elementary and secondary schools in the region and the State. Of special significance are the long-term relationships that have been established with major urban districts such as Newark and Union City, and with individual schools. Many of the programs are targeted towards specific schools within the districts. In addition, we have been able to assist schools to address and meet their specific needs. Engineering is used as the vehicle to involve pre-college populations in technological education and to motivate the children to pursue technological careers. For example, NJIT's Women in Engineering & Technology Initiative - FEMME program is an intensive four-week single-gender program offered in the summer to post-fourth through post-eighth grade girls. Academic curricula and coursework is specially designed in alignment with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards (NJCCS). A main thematic unit created for each group introduces each grade level to a different engineering specialty: fourth grade girls study environmental; fifth, aeronautical; sixth, mechanical; seventh, chemical; and eighth, biomedical engineering. This paper describes the organization of the Center and its programs in order to meet the needs of the pre-college students, their teachers, and parents.

Identifier

8744303878 (Scopus)

Publication Title

ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings

ISSN

01901052

First Page

9135

Last Page

9144

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