The College of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock conducts a variety of outreach programs throughout the year designed to motivate students in grades six through twelve to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees.
For more information on EIT’s Outreach programs please select from the links below:
- Pre-College Diversity Engineering Program (PCDEP)
- JETS TEAMS Competition
- High School Research Program (HSRP)
- Regional Science & Engineering Fair Awards
- Engineering Scholars Program (ESP)
- Outreach Partnerships
Pre-College Diversity Engineering Program (PCDEP)
The PCDEP was formed in 2007 primarily to increase the number of historically underrepresented students in grades six through twelve prepared to pursue engineering degrees. However, membership in the program is not restricted to only underrepresented students.
The program is implemented through the formation of engineering clubs which are required to meet at least once a month where activities and exercises are conducted that are unique to the needs of the students. Sponsors receive a merit-based stipend for sponsoring their PCDEP engineering club.
The program has two signature events – Engineering Essay Contest and the Engineering Olympics. The Engineering Essay Contest promotes the development of reading, writing, comprehension and research skills of PCDEP participants.
The Engineering Olympics is designed to introduce PCDEP students to engineering through competitive team events and exercises. All participating schools receive all materials necessary to compete at no charge. Schools that are not members of PCDEP may participate in the Engineering Olympics for a nominal fee. This event is typically held in the spring. For information about the 2010 Engineering Olympics, please contact Vernard Henley at (501) 569-8203.
JETS TEAMS Competition
During National Engineers Week, we host the Junior Engineering Technical Society’s (JETS) Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) Competition. UALR is the only site in Arkansas hosting this national event. The 2010 TEAMS Competition will be held on February 17.
This event is designed to teach team development skills through students’ participation as a group in an engineering problem competition. Competition problems cover mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, visual interpretation, computer applications, and reading analysis and interpretation.
TEAMS presents the multidisciplinary aspects of engineering work by illustrating how the math and science concepts students are learning work together and are applied to solve real-world problems. TEAMS is also aligned to national education standards.
High school teams compete in groups of up to eight students. For 2010, teams can elect to compete on two different levels – 9th/10th and 11th/12th. Students are encouraged to bring whatever reference materials they will need during the three hour competition. Schools compete for state and national honors only against schools that are similar in size and admission policies. To register your students to enter the 2010 JETS TEAMS Competition click here.
For past results, click here: http://www.jets.org/teams/winners.cfm
High School Research Program (HSRP)
The objective of the HSRP is to engage academic high achievers in a focused research environment by proactively mentoring then and helping them make informed choices on appropriate course work during their high school years for pursuing future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In addition, the three week residential summer program provides informal peer mentoring by engaging students in faculty research projects, allowing high school students to establish early contact with college students and professors in specific areas of their interest. If you are interested in applying to the 2009 High School Research Program, click here to download an application. To review a list of projects for the 2009 High School Research Program, click here.
« Back to Top
Regional Science & Engineering Fair Awards
UALR’s College of Engineering and Information Technology provides two special awards for each Intel International Science and Engineering Fair affiliated fair in Arkansas. These awards are designed to reward and encourage students to pursue research in the areas of systems engineering/engineering technology and information science/computer science.
A $100 savings bond is awarded to the best engineering project and the best information science/computer science project. The teacher who sponsors the winning engineering student receives a $100 grant to assist in the procurement of instructional science materials for their classroom.
Engineering Scholars Program (ESP)
The objective of the Engineering Scholars Program (ESP) is to increase the number of students entering engineering programs in Arkansas through exposure to hands-on engineering projects, plant trips, and interaction with industry engineers. In addition, the two-week residential summer program includes counseling and advising sessions to assist students in preparing for college. The exposure to engineering and counseling and advising sessions will help high school students make informed choices on appropriate course work during their high school years for pursuing future careers in engineering.
If you are interested in applying to the 2009 Engineering Scholars Program, click here to download an application.
« Back to Top
Outreach Partnerships
Through partnerships, The College of Engineering and Information Technology works with external groups that desire to increase student participation in STEM related careers.
Girls of Promise – Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
Eighth grade girls from across Arkansas are invited to a one day motivational program designed to encourage female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. The program includes presentations by female scientists and engineers and various motivational activities at no charge to the participants. For more information, see the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas website.
Project Starting Block – National Society of Black Engineers Arkansas Alumni Chapter
UALR hosts two parts of this four-part series designed to generate underrepresented student interest in engineering and technology. The Introduction to Engineering Seminar provides students with an overview of various engineering disciplines. In addition, students receive information about coursework needed to become an engineer and are afforded opportunities to talk with engineers about their work as engineers during this half day program.
The Technical Seminar includes resume writing, interviewing skills, and college application sessions. In addition to tours of EIT labs, students participate in an engineering competition.
For more information, please contact Vernard Henley at (501) 569-8203.