The National Society of Black Engineers-Arkansas Alumni Extension Chapter (NSBE-AAEC) is pleased to announce that NSBE will be conducting the 17th Annual 'PROJECT STARTING BLOCK' Introduction to Engineering seminar for high school students on FEBRUARY 17, 2007. This seminar will be held at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)-Dickinson Hall 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 the students to become familiar with the various engineering disciplines, the educational requirements, and the career opportunities available with Arkansas corporations and agencies. During the Starting Block Introduction to Engineering 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 sixteen years NSBE has had over 1,000 students to participate 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 freshman, sophomores, and juniors, with multi-disciplined engineering activities. The NSBE has requested assistance in identifying students with interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) areas to participate in the program. With the low number of minorities in the field of engineering, NSBE is particularly targeting minority students with this program.
Please distribute copies of the enclosed student packet to students that may be interested. Schools must submit all signed student data forms to the address noted on the form by FEBRUARY 10, 2007. A student form is included in the attached student packet. Also, attached in the packet is a synopsis of 'Project Starting Block' for students and parents. If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Jay C. Hartman at 501-396-4932 before 5:00 p.m. or at 501-868-9534 after 5:00 p.m.