Go For Aerospace!: Recruiting and Mentoring the Next Generation of Aerospace Engineers

摘要

Recruitment for engineering programs is a real challenge for universities nationwide. To address this problem, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) has received funding from NASA to conduct an innovative, year-long extracurricular program designed to reach out to high school juniors with high potential in math and science and excite them about careers in aerospace engineering. This new program, "Go For Aerospace!," will provide mentoring and support to these students and encourage them to pursue a degree in engineering. CCSU, with its exceptionally well-qualified engineering faculty, its central location, and its close linkages with local industries and secondary schools throughout Connecticut is ideally suited to launch this effort. The selection process is an extremely important part of the project and is conducted through nomination by math and science teachers in five high-need school districts throughout Connecticut. Based on their recommendations, 30 high-achieving high school juniors are participating this year.