The innovations of engineers make our lives easier, more efficient and safer. In what was once a field dominated by men, engineering has become a personal and professional choice for many women who are eager to use their skills and knowledge to impact the quality of life for people worldwide. The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is committed to attracting the nation’s finest female students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and retaining them in engineering. This year, Auburn Engineering achieved the national average of 18 percent female enrollment; and the college will continue to work to increase this percentage. A vital component of our success is creating an environment that encourages women to enroll in engineering. Alumnae involvement and financial support are critical to these efforts. 100 Women Strong is the means by which our alumnae and friends can partner with the college to ensure the continuation of this growing trend.

Members of 100 Women Strong will help:

u Promote engineering as a career choice to young girls, their teachers and parents u Recruit women to engineering u Increase retention of women in engineering u Promote participation of alumnae in engineering education and outreach initiatives u Assist in the recruitment and retention of female engineering faculty

Each year, earnings from the 100 Women Strong campaign will fund programs and initiatives in the following areas:

Recruitment

In 2005, Auburn Engineering hired its first full-time student recruiter, and the number of females enrolling in engineering has grown steadily. For this to continue, the college must engage young women early, as they begin to make pivotal decisions regarding significant mathematics and science courses in junior and high school curricula, as well as students at the junior college level. Recruiting initiatives may include:

u Engineering Summer Camp – Girls entering grades 9-12 are exposed to the world of engineering. This resident camp exposes students to hands-on activities led by engineering staff. Activities are designed to further participants’ math, science and computer skills while building their interest in engineering as a degree choice and profession.

The Samuel Ginn

College of Engineering’s

100 Women Strong is

an annual campaign, led

by Auburn Engineering

alumnae and friends, to

generate funding for

programs that promote

the recruitment and

retention of women to

Auburn Engineering.

Goal

100 women who commit to providing a minimum of $1,000 annually to recruit, retain and reward women in the College of Engineering.

100 Women StrongThe force to recruit, retain and reward Auburn women in engineering

u E-Day – Auburn Engineering’s annual open house gives students a chance to visit campus and learn about the college’s programs and initiatives. Girls interested in pursuing an engineering degree will have opportunities to interact with women engineers and faculty, experience interactive exhibits and visit classrooms and labs.

u High School Network – This is an ongoing outreach effort to develop relationships with high school counselors, as well as math, science and computer teachers. Training for high school counselors and teachers will focus on student preparedness for engineering curricula at Auburn.

u Junior College Workshops – Relationships will be developed with advisers, and science, math and computer faculty members. Recruiting visits will be made to primary feeder junior colleges to meet with potential female students.

Retention

Unlike their male counterparts, female engineering students, for the most part, do not leave engineering because of academic difficulties. In fact, the average GPA for enrolled female engineering students is typically higher than that of males. Instead, women often report that they could not envision themselves as an engineer or they were not convinced they would enjoy the profession. Retention strategies may include:

u Freshmen Women’s Welcome Event – Prior to each fall semester, all women who have been accepted into engineering, and their mothers, will be invited to a welcome event designed to introduce support systems for engineering students, as well as the proud heritage of Auburn Engineering alumnae. Members of 100 Women Strong will be in attendance to help welcome these new students.

u Professional Development Workshops – Career workshops help female engineering students prepare for job interviews, negotiate job offers and understand corporate culture and professional practice. Graduate school workshops encourage students to pursue graduate studies, assist them in navigating the graduate program application process and help them secure stipend and fellowship support.

u Society of Women Engineers (SWE) – Auburn’s highly successful SWE student chapter provides an encouraging environment, as well as mentoring and networking opportunities. 100 Women Strong members volunteer as alumnae speakers and mentors.

Reward

Scholarship funding is essential to recruiting and retaining the most talented students. These funds also reward students whose extracurricular activities, such as Society of Women Engineers or K-12 outreach initiatives, promote retention and recruitment programs within the college.

For more information, please contact:

100 Women Strong

Office of Engineering Development

334.844.2736