The "Engineering for Society -- An Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research Pathway to Cultivate Engineering Leaders and Enrich Education for Disadvantaged Youth" program, funded by the National Science Foundation, impacts schools who serve diverse students traditionally underrepresented in engineering.

The project prepares engineering PhD students to become future engineering leaders while delivering hands-on, engineering-focused STEM curricula in 5-12th grade classes in specific Longmont, Lafayette and Denver schools. The inquiry-based curriculum exploits engineering to enrich science and math content to help youngsters better understand their everyday world.

Through extensive K-12 student contact, Fellows translate their engineering research into hands-on K-12 STEM curricula, engaging K-12 students and teachers through connecting engineering design to the study of science and math. Consequently, 5-12th grade STEM learning is enhanced, preparing and interesting youngsters to take advantage of pre-engineering programs at three high schools (the STEM Academy at Skyline High School in Longmont, the Pre-Engineering Academy at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, and the Denver School of Science & Technology in Denver), and ultimately demonstrate increased enrollment of high school graduates in collegiate engineering programs.

These K-12 experiences allow Fellows to pair real-world opportunities with their research. Through the creation and delivery of K-12 STEM curriculum, K-12 teachers gain engineering content knowledge while addressing appropriate state math and science standards. The program assists all students, regardless of circumstance, to pursue a bright future full of opportunity. Why engineering?  ...because dreams need doing!

PhD engineering students wishing to pursue this fellowship should apply online. Please contact Janet Yowell by email or phone (303-492-5230) with any questions.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant nos. DGE0946502. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.