If you have ever had the privilege of leading school kids in hands-on engineering activities, you’ve likely heard them called “awesome!” In a little more than two months, engineers from every discipline will “Celebrate Awesome” during National Engineers Week, fanning out to schools and other places where kids gather, getting them acquainted with what makes engineering awesome for society, and for a career.

In 2013, ASCE volunteers will be a major part of this celebration, coordinating partnerships, buying and testing materials for hands-on activities, supporting Future City competitions, participating in Engineering Days, introducing girls to engineering, visiting classrooms, and talking about civil engineering with just about anyone and everyone willing to listen – especially kids. How will you take advantage of the national spotlight on engineering careers? ASCE Pre-College Outreach has tips, tools and resources to plan and launch a successful event – visit www.asce.org/eweek to get started.

ASCE has been one of the most enthusiastic participants in Engineers Week outreach activities. It’s great member-volunteers who make it happen, sharing their passion for engineering, and rallying their peers on behalf of students everywhere. To honor and show appreciation for such spirit, ASCE is seeking nominees for the DiscoverE Volunteer Recognition Program.

Do you know such a member? Section and Branch officers, and Younger Member Group leaders, especially are encouraged to identify one special volunteer in your area deserving of a high level of recognition for their effort, then submit them online to ASCE. These volunteers will be honored at the upcoming Multi-Regional Leadership Conferences, and I will send each a letter during Engineers Week to say “thank you” for their dedication to promoting the profession through educational outreach.

Do you have any “awesome” experiences relating engineering to kids, or other memories of past Engineers Week volunteerism? Share them in the comments below.

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Tags: Engineers Week, outreach, pre-college, volunteer