The School of Engineering offers two special programs for high school girls at the freshman through senior level. Both are designed to introduce young women to the different fields of engineering and the career opportunities to be found. The school's Women in Engineering Program also boasts a robust scholarship program for female students, activities to encourage women in engineering careers and a strong student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers.
Project Discovery is a weeklong residential engineering camp for high school girls in June and July that lets them experience problem-solving approaches that engineers use every day. Campers focus on one of six engineering disciplines and complete a project under the direction of a KU faculty member. The program culminates with an awards ceremony and special presentations by participants, where they share their experiences with parents, faculty and other Project Discovery participants.
Two separate sessions are offered for students entering ninth through 12th grade. Contact Florence Boldridge fboldridge@ku.edu or (785) 864-3620 for more information.
The SWE Weekend of Engineering is a fun weekend of exploration for high school women held each fall and spring semester and sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers. The program, which begins on a Friday evening and ends on a Sunday morning, is an opportunity to learn about engineering as well as get a taste for college life KU Style.
Weekend of Engineering participants will see and hear demonstrations by School of Engineering professors from the various disciplines, participate in an engineering group project, attend either a KU football or basketball game, and enjoy a pizza party and bowling in KU's famous Jaybowl. All participants are housed at the local hotel with upper level engineering students acting as resident assistants.
Two SWE Weekends take place every year; one each in the fall and spring semester. They are ideal for students at the junior or senior level of high school. Contact Florence Boldridge fboldridge@ku.edu or (785) 864-3620 for more information.
You can learn more about engineering career opportunities for women at the National Academy of Engineering's Engineer Girl, or the Society of Women Engineers
