Mentors for Young Inventors

Mentors for Young Inventors

Innovation and invention are cornerstones of American society, but not all young people have role models to open doors in the engineering field. WGBH and the Lemelson Foundation are meeting this need through the creation of a new program, Mentors for Young Inventors (working title). Starting this fall in the Greater Boston area, the program will place young engineers and engineering students in after-school programs once a week. Working with a group of kids (ages 10-11), the mentors will use a stepped-out curriculum that inspires youth to explore invention.

Goals of the Program

• Expose disadvantaged youth to the design process through fun, hands-on activities
• Build meaningful relationships between mentors and youth
• Inspire kids to consider engineering as a potential career

Are You a Working Engineer or College Engineering Student?
WGBH is currently recruiting engineers and engineering students to serve as mentors for children. By spending just a few hours of time each week, you can expose a roomful of children to the rewards of innovation and exploration.

As mentors you will:

• Have fun working with kids to unleash their creative abilities
• Strengthen your leadership skills
• Co-lead the program with another mentor
• Receive training and a stepped-out curriculum
• Get a $500 stipend for program supplies
• Enjoy the support of program staff, fellow mentors, and after-school leaders
• Raise the community service profile of your company or institution
  

Requirements of Mentors

In addition to having the excitement to mentor kids, mentors will be asked to:

• Commit to volunteering for 2-hours per week (set-up and break-down time included) during the 2009-2010 school year (20 weeks total)
• Attend a fall and spring training
• Ability to get to and from after-school site
• Collect necessary materials for weekly activities using the stipend
• Participate in 2 conference calls andtake part in online communications
• Participate in program evaluation conducted by Veridian Insight
• Gain clearance on CORI check
  

Interested?To become a mentor and learn more, please respond by June 1, 2009.

Contact: Liza Silverman

Outreach Production Coordinator

WGBH Phone: (617) 300-3642

Email: liza_silverman@wgbh.org

Congratulations Larisa Schelkin!

Science Club for Girls’ 15th Anniversary Celebration & Catalyst Award Ceremony

May 26, 2009
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Broad Institute
Cambridge, MA

Larisa Schelkin will receive an award for her heroic efforts, personally and via her work with SWE, DOME Foundation and various other channels, to provide access to and increase diversity in STEM!
http://www.scienceclubforgirls.org/

Upcomig RSVP deadlines

Professional Development Meeting
Blending and Balancing Your Professional & Personal Lives - May 19
Register by May 12, 2009
Sponsored by BAE Systems


Social Event
Tour of Historic Working Grist Mill - May 16
Register by May 14, 2009

One-time K-12 outreach - Merit Certificates presenters

Dear SWE Boston Members,

Requests continue to come in for a SWE representative to present Merit Certificates at schools in our area. We are looking for volunteers to present Merit Certificates to several schools. The award recipients have already been selected and certificates have been received by the schools.
North of Boston (Rte. 95/128)

BISHOP FENWICK HIGH SCHOOL
99 Margin Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Date: Thursday, June 11th
Time: 7:00 pm

DANVERS HIGH SCHOOL
60 Cabot Road
Danvers, MA 01923
Date: Thursday, June 4th
Time: 7:00 pm


New Hampshire

ALVIRNE HIGH SCHOOL
200 Derry Road
Hudson, NH 03051
Date: Thursday, May 21st
Time: 6:30 pm

MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL WEST
9 Notre Dame Avenue
Manchester, NH 03102
Date: Thursday, May 21st
Time: 8:15 AM

This one-time task typically takes only an hour or two (at absolute most!) of your time. The actual presenting takes about 5 minutes (maximum) and generally presenters are present for the entire awards ceremony, plus your travel time to and from the school. We can provide you with a detailed (but short!) script if you are unsure what to say.

The award recipients are typically students who have excelled in math and/or science and receiving an award from SWE is almost always the first exposure to SWE, and perhaps to engineering, the students have had. These students may very well be our next generation of SWE members! Having an actual SWE member present the award is greatly appreciated by the school's faculty.

Please email Darcie Giard (merit@sweboston.org), if you are interested or have any questions.

Stay tuned for more requests as we receive them from the schools this spring!