Society of Women Engineers to host annual FutureSWE event for middle and high school girls

The Wayne State University chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) will host their annual outreach event, FutureSWE, on Saturday, Feb. 27. FutureSWE is a one-day event designed to introduce middle and high school girls to the different engineering disciplines through hands-on, interactive activities.

The event, now in its ninth year, is made possible through a generous grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation through the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), a nonprofit organization that provides resources and advocacy for women pursuing or working in engineering-related disciplines. This grant keeps the event free to students and includes breakfast and lunch, a T-shirt, and a bag filled with engineering information pamphlets and fun WSU swag.

This year, students will build magnet-powered hovercrafts, candy asphalt, an artificial lung and other projects. Participants also will have the opportunity to talk with current undergraduate and graduate engineering students about applying to college and finding internships. Women working in industry also will be present at the event to talk to students about their day-to-day duties and what it's like to be an engineer. Additionally, parents and educators are invited to tour WSU facilities and learn how best to prepare their students for future college success.

Last year's FutureSWE attracted 95 students from 41 different local area schools, 33 parents, and 65 WSU student volunteers from SWE and other engineering clubs. This year, the event is on pace to double in size, with 210 available student spots. Priority will be given to disadvantaged students such as those currently eligible for free or reduced lunches.

Several families have already signed up to return, including Melissa Webster and her daughter, Jerzie, of Warren. "We went to this last year and learned so much and had such a good time! I wish I had gone to something like this when I was younger. If you've got a -middle- to high-school age girl and can be at WSU on 2/27, totally check this out!"

Traditionally, FutureSWE is the chapter's biggest and most popular outreach event of the year. Learn more and register today.