WOMEN IN ENGINEERING CAREER DAY CONFERENCE: A RECRUITMENT TOOL FOR MASSACHUSETTS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS

摘要

It is no surprise, like many other Research I institutions, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is experiencing an under representation of women in the field of Engineering. Although women comprise 50% of the undergraduate student body, only 14% of female students are enrolled in the College of Engineering. In an effort to recruit and retain young women within the field of engineering the Women in Engineering Program and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) UMass Amherst Collegiate section conducts an annual career day conference. Attracting over 250 female 9-12th graders, this program provides young girls with the opportunity to explore engineering as a possible academic track and or career choice by providing hands on team projects, interactive activities, display tables from industry and presentations by female engineers. Last year's career day program, 94.8% of the students stated that they gained new knowledge about engineering, 63.9% stated that they would consider a career in engineering. What are some of the factors accounting for this success? What are some of the challenges that we continue to face? This paper will discuss accomplishments and challenges faced by institutions seeking to outreach to underrepresented constituencies.