High school students across the state of West Virginia will have the opportunity to explore the role engineering plays in their day-to-day lives as well as their future, as part of an essay contest being held at West Virginia University.

The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, as part of its Engineers Week activities, is hosting its first-ever essay contest in an effort to increase public dialogue about the need for engineers and to bring engineering to life for kids, educators and parents. A national, annual celebration, Engineers Week is scheduled for Feb. 22-28.

“We decided to host an essay competition as part of the national Engineers Week to help raise awareness for high school students across the state about how engineers impact West Virginia and the country as a whole,” said Cate Schlobohm, the outreach coordinator. “We want students to explore engineering as an industry and a career path, and we want them to understand that a big part of engineering involves improving life for people now and in the future.”

“By opening it to students across the state, we are hoping to engage students who might not have ever considered the impact of engineers on society. We hope it’s a learning experience for everyone,” she said.

There are two student divisions based on grade, and prizes and awards will be given at the county, regional and state levels. Students in grades 9-10 will be asked to submit essays on how engineers improve daily life for West Virginians. Students in grades 11-12 will look at the challenges West Virginians from their generation face, and how engineers can help solve these challenges. First place winners from each stage will advance to the next level for a chance to win prizes that include an iPad Mini, a scholarship to one of the College’s Engineering Challenge Camps, for seniors, a WVU Statler College scholarship.

The contest is open to public, private and home-schooled students in the state. Essays must be no longer than three pages, double spaced, and must be submitted electronically by Friday, Feb.13, at 5 p.m. Essays will be judged by Statler College Ambassadors on the quality of writing, with a focus on student’s main idea and creativity.
For more information and to submit an essay, visit statler.wvu.edu/outreach/essaycomp.php.

-WVU-

mcd/01/15/15

CONTACT: Mary C. Dillon, Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
304.293.4086, Mary.Dillon@mail.wvu.edu

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