According to a study done by the National Academy of Engineers, the majority of students in grades K-12 were unable to identify what engineers do. Common answers included building buildings and fixing cars. In addition, some students associated the term engineer only with someone who drives a train. The lack of knowledge about engineering among America's youth creates a serious concern. Problems our nation currently faces and will face in the future will need engineers. Therefore, if not enough future students become engineers, we will face a shortage. To combat this shortage, many institutions across the nation have formed engineering outreach programs. One such program is the Engineering Ambassador Network, which was formed by Pennsylvania State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University of Connecticut, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The Engineering Ambassador Network is a professional development organization with an outreach mission. Through advanced presentation training and the messages of Changing the Conversation, the Engineering Ambassadors in this Network aim to inspire the next generation of engineers.
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