American Society of Civil Engineers

Howard University Chapter

College of Engineering, Architecture, & Computer Sciences

Department of Civil Engineering

2300 Sixth Street, NW Washington, DC 20059

Tele: (202) 806-5764  Fax: (202) 806-5271

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: Kirin G. Smith

Email: hu_asce@yahoo.com

Phone: (202) 806-5764

Fax: (202) 806-5271

 

 

20 DC Area Middle School Students Become Engineers for a Day

 

WASHINGTON, DC - March 1, 2004 – The Howard University Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (HU ASCE) hosted its first Engineer for a Day Educational Outreach Program on Friday February 27 at Howard University. The event was attended by 21 eighth grade students from Garnet-Patterson Middle School in Northwest Washington, DC. The half-day program included presentations on why Engineers Make a Difference, the design-build construction management process, water and wastewater treatment, and Howard University’s very own Student Steel Bridge Team.

 

More than 15 HU ASCE members volunteered to assist students with hands-on activity challenges. These included marshmallow towers, homemade water filters, paper puff mobiles, and egg bungee jumps. The event, made possible by funding from the Howard University Student Association (HUSA) and the Howard University College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Sciences (CEACS), was designed to engage a group of African American and Latino students in simulated engineering problem-solving activities. Royce Francis, undergraduate civil engineering student and volunteer, noted,

 

“The program was a great opportunity for younger students to be exposed to engineering principles.”

 

“The volunteers were amazed at the creativity and enthusiasm the students exhibited as they competed to build the tallest tower and quickest paper car,” remarked Kirin G. Smith, HU ASCE Chapter President and Engineer for a Day Program Coordinator.

 

The guest speaker was Adey Abebe, Office Engineer for Tompkins Builders, Inc., a subsidiary of the Turner Construction Company. HU ASCE, a student-led affiliate of the national ASCE professional organization, strives to provide its members with valuable academic, professional, and social development opportunities. The chapter, founded in 1951, has over 50 national members.