Partners in Engineering   --  Partners in Engineering is a collaboration between K-12 schools and Smith College to explore important aspects of engineering education from kindergarten through college, endeavoring to positively impact the attitudes, retention rates, career choices, and the skills and knowledge of students, particularly girls, women and underrepresented minorities, in STEM. With the support of the Ford Motor Company and the GE Foundation, Smith has offered summer professional development institutes in engineering to over 70 elementary, middle and high school educators from urban, rural and suburban schools throughout the Pioneer Valley, for example, providing workshops on technology and engineering aimed at helping to prepare middle school students for the state-required eighth-grade MCAS test. Outreach to K-12 students includes: the annual Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program www.smith.edu/ssep for high school girls, a month-long summer enrichment program that brings approximately 100 girls from around the globe to Smith College each summer to actively participate in science and engineering; and, the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, an experienced-based academic and personal development curriculum designed to introduce careers in fields such as engineering, business, and management to capable, motivated middle and high school students.  In addition, during the academic year, Smith  faculty provide ongoing support to K-12 teachers, Smith undergraduates volunteer throughout the school day and in after-school programs, and K-12 students and teachers visit the college campus for enriching field trips in STEM.

Contact:
Gail Scordilis, Smith College (Educational Outreach), http://www.smith.edu/engin-eep/eep/scordilisbio.html

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