How will you celebrate National Engineers Week?

Did you know that National Engineers Week is right around the corner? This year, it runs from February 16–22. It’s a celebration of how engineers make a difference in the world, and it’s a great way to raise awareness of the engineering fields, especially among children and educators.

This year’s emphasis is on reaching out to students, parents, and community leaders to help them learn more about engineering and pathways to engineering education and careers. Engineers are being encouraged to visit a classroom and introduce K-12 students to engineering. Many children and teenagers don’t have a clear idea of what engineering is, the wide variety of engineers at work in the world today and what types of classes they should take in high school and college to prepare for a career in engineering.

Visiting a classroom or youth group can have a powerful impact. In a recent survey, 84% of educators say a visit from an engineer or technical professional helps students learn about and become interested in engineering careers. Yet nearly three-quarters of educators said their students do not have many opportunities to meet an engineer or technical professional. That’s unfortunate, considering that engineering jobs are plentiful, are high paying relative to other industries and are highly rewarding. The engineering field is also highly diverse, meaning there’s a type of engineer today that aligns with a variety of interests.

Here’s just a brief list of ways to use your expertise and experience to spread excitement and information about engineering:

• Talk to a classroom, girl or boy scout troop, or after-school program about engineering and STEM careers
• Give a group tour of a workplace to students
• Commit to tutor a student in a STEM subject they’re struggling with
• Write a blog or social media post to spread awareness for Engineers Week

The Discover E website has tons of great resources for educators, parents, and volunteers. Check it out, too! Spread the word about engineering — not only during National Engineers Week, but year round.