For the third summer running, a group of high school girls will spend two weeks at Union College learning about careers in engineering through class work and hands-on projects. The program, called EDGE (Educating Girls as Engineers) Workshop, which runs from July 17-29, is designed to encourage academically talented young women to pursue engineering study at Union or elsewhere.
“This is an intense yet fun living and learning experience to expand the thinking of some very smart young women and let them see a side of engineering they might not have considered,” said Coordinator Karen Williams, who is a professor of Biology.
The program involves the re-engineering of toys and electronic devices to be used by disabled children. At the start of the camp, the girls visit patients at Schenectady's Northwoods at Hilltop brain injury rehabilitation center, where they meet with patients and begin to re-design everything from stuffed animals to TV remotes.
“We engage the students immediately since girls of this age often have an affinity to children,” Williams said. “This program shows them that engineering is not all about machines. There is a very human aspect to some engineering-related careers.”
This year, 21 juniors and seniors from across the country were chosen through a rigorous application process, including an essay, transcript and letters of recommendation. Students are coming from this region, downstate, and New Jersey, and from as far away as Minnesota and Washington.
Although for the past several years, many educational institutions have focused on increasing the numbers of women in science and engineering, there is still a gap between the sexes, Williams said. “Engineering is a logical choice for many highly motivated young women. We need to open their minds to this,” she said.
Among the subject areas they will study are bioengineering, robotics, microprocessors and circuits, communications, and laboratory-type work called design studio. The final project will involve demonstration of the re-engineered toys and posters depicting the project work.
Union's Dean of Engineering and Computer Science, Cherrice Traver, and Maria Klawe, Princeton's dean of engineering will speak to the students at a luncheon on Friday, July 29 at Orange House.
The program will include both study and recreation, including a movie night, trips to Albany and Saratoga, and dinner with women engineers. Admissions staff will give an overview of the application process and financial aid.
The EDGE Workshop is supported through a grant from Northrop Grumman Corp. Kathy Sauers, secretary of the Northrop Grumman Foundation, will attend the poster session and a farewell banquet and graduation on July 29.