The National Society of Black Engineers-Arkansas Alumni Extension Chapter (NSBE-AAEC) is pleased to announce that we will be conducting our 13th Annual "Project Starting Block" counseling seminar for high school students on February 22, 2003. This seminar will be held at the UALR-Stella Boyle Auditorium, 2801 South University, Little Rock and will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m.
Project Starting Block is a four-part mentor program aimed at minority high school students with an interest in engineering, however, all interested students are welcome to attend. The purpose of the program is to inform youth in Arkansas about the field of engineering through seminars, college campus visits and industry tours. These activities allow our students to become familiar with the various engineering disciplines, the educational requirements, and those career opportunities available to them with Arkansas corporations and agencies. During the Starting Block Counseling Seminar, representatives from various Arkansas universities and corporations will present vital information regarding the various fields of engineering, obstacles students face as today's youth, courses that students should take while in high school and preparatory requirements for college life.
"Project Starting Block" has been a success. Over the past ten years over 900 students have participated in the program. Several graduating seniors from the program have chosen to pursue the field of engineering. Over the past several years NSBE-AAEC has been able to award thousands of dollars in scholarships to selected high school seniors that participated in "Project Starting Block" and chose to enroll in Engineering curriculums.
"Project Starting Block" originated in 1990 and was designed to acquaint high school students, primarily sophomores and juniors, with multi-disciplined engineering activities. Your assistance is requested in identifying students with interest in math and science to participate in our program. With the low number of minorities in the field of engineering, we are particularly targeting minority students.
Please distribute copies of the enclosed student packet to students that may be interested. It is strongly requested that all signed student data forms are submitted to the above address by February 14, 2003. A student form is enclosed in the student packet. Also enclosed in the packet is a synopsis of "Project Starting Block" for students and their parents. Please contact Mr. Rod Gaines at 501-324-5575 before 5:00 p.m. or at 501-224-6515 after 5:00 p.m., if there are question.
(This memo was received late for distribution. Students who wish to participate should submit the application form even though the deadline has passed).