UTEP to Host Science and Engineering Extravaganza
 

announcement

UTEP to Host Science and Engineering Extravaganza


April 3, 2014 | UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS.

What: Science and Engineering Extravaganza

When: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5

Where: Undergraduate Learning Center, UTEP campus

The student joint chapter of UTEP's Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (MAES/SHPE) and the College of Engineering will host the Science and Engineering Extravaganza (SEE) at The University of Texas at El Paso.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the SEE brings together multiple partners in a unique celebration. The student chapters of MAES/SHPE that support the SEE will celebrate their 40th anniversary as UTEP celebrates its Centennial.

This annual event will bring together 550 high school students for an exciting day of exhibits, hands-on activities and motivational presentations. This year's theme is "The Future is Calling, Who Will You Be?" which will help young students visualize opportunities to change the world as engineers and scientists.

Students also will learn the steps they need to take in high school to prepare for majors in science, technology, engineering and math – or STEM – in college. The program includes hands-on activities given by engineering student organizations, presentations from STEM-related businesses and a special workshop on technology by Time Warner Cable. In this workshop students will learn about the technology behind the Internet using the Time Warner Cable Technology Wall. Time Warner Cable is supporting UTEP's Science Extravaganza as part of its Connect a Million Minds initiative, a five-year, $100 million cash and in-kind philanthropic initiative to address America's declining proficiency in STEM fields.

The Science and Engineering Extravaganza is made possible through a partnership between UTEP's Solutions for Optimal Academic Readiness (SOAR) GEAR UP program and the Socorro Independent School District. SOAR GEAR UP is a seven-year program funded by the Department of Education to expand educational opportunities and assist students in becoming college-ready through a variety of developmental programs like the SEE.

"Our goal is to stimulate interest and increase enthusiasm among young students to pursue a degree in a field of engineering and science, by exposing and engaging them in fun STEM activities where they can discover their passion," said Jose Martinez, a junior mechanical engineering major and president of the MAES/SHPE student chapter at UTEP. "The organization has done an outstanding job in hosting community outreach events for El Paso area students. We are expanding student horizons by providing opportunities for students to envision their future. This program can make a real difference in students' aspirations for college-going careers."

Richard Schoephoerster, Ph.D., dean of UTEP's College of Engineering, will kick off the event on Saturday morning.

"Schoephoerster and the UTEP College of Engineering strongly support community programs that advance STEM awareness, and we are grateful to all the students, volunteers and to the event sponsors," said Gilbert Moreno Jr., clinical professor in engineering and MAES/SHPE advisor. "Together we can help advance our regional students' pathways to STEM careers."

Mike Acosta, the former national president of MAES and a representative of the U.S. Navy, will speak after the workshops, and the day will finish with MAES/SHPE students awarding prizes to selected participants.

MAES and SHPE were founded in 1974. MAES conducts Engineering and Science Extravaganzas across the U.S., hosted by the MAES University and College Student Chapters.

To learn more about the SEE, visit http://organizations.utep.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=73054.

About UTEP College of Engineering: The College of Engineering is a national leader in engineering education and a leading producer of doctoral, master's and baccalaureate degreed Hispanic engineers. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is the second oldest academic institution of The University of Texas System. Washington Monthly magazine ranks UTEP as #7 in the nation in its annual College Guide and Rankings. The magazine's rankings were based on a combination of social mobility, research production, commitment to service and cost-effectiveness of degree completion. For more information, visit engineering.utep.edu.