Engage K-12 students in engineering: Model for engineering project activities to inspire K-12 students to pursue careers in engineering

This paper discusses the model to create and implement the exploratory “Engage K-12 students in engineering” program to inspire K-12 students to pursue careers in engineering disciplines. Through this program, the K-12 students will participate in engineering project activities with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) components. Engage K-12 students in engineering will (a) raise the level of awareness among K-12 students of the promising careers in the engineering disciplines upon graduation with baccalaureate and/or advanced degrees (b) establish and sustain the dialog between the K-12 schools and the University to encourage the K-12 school students to pursue and excel in subjects with STEM components (c) promote the interaction between the engineering faculty at the University and the K-12 school students through activities which deliver critical STEM components. “Engage K-12 students in engineering” will be identified at all levels of K-12 STEM education and will be delivered to a widespread audience of K-12 students through (a) direct outreach activities such as on-campus visits, (b) extended outreach activities through cyber-learning networks, and (c) University partnership with the K-12 schools.