wip: informal engineering experiences in the african american community
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WIP: Informal Engineering Experiences in the African American Community. Lauren D. Thomas National TORCH Chairperson 2009-2010 Contributors: Dr. Michael Smith, Erika Howell, Kenjie Davis - NSBE WHQ Staff. 1. 2. 3. 4. Introduction to NSBE. Introduction to TORCH. Data & Feedback. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK ENGINEERS
WIP: Informal Engineering Experiences in the African American Community
Lauren D. ThomasNational TORCH Chairperson 2009-2010Contributors: Dr. Michael Smith, Erika Howell, Kenjie Davis - NSBE WHQ Staff
N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R Sw w w . n s b e . o r g
Contents
Introduction to NSBE1
Introduction to TORCH2
Data & Feedback3
Future Work4
N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
NSBE
National Society of Black Engineers Founded in 1975 at Purdue University Response to missing support system, low enrollment
and graduation of black engineering students Mission
“To increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community”
Interesting Facts 30,000+ collegiate, alumni, and pre-college members One of the world’s largest student managed
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
TORCH Background
Technical Outreach Community Help Established in 2002 in response to the digital divide
issue that has a significant impact in Black communities
Technical community service of the membership Early challenges
Low participation Comparatively low value to corporate sponsors Lack of direction for the program Vague goals and objectives
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
TORCH Objectives
“As the world economy becomes more technologically driven, it is imperative that the black community is an active participant and evolves with the changing economic landscape. NSBE should lead the charge by engaging not only students, but schools, community centers, youth programs, and parents, to ensure that the Black community, especially the youth, can be those active participants.” – National Strategic Plan, 2008
“To provide exposure, stimulate enthusiasm, and promote the value of science, technology, engineering and mathematics within black communities through training opportunities to encourage greater black participation in STEM and digital technology.” - TORCH objective statement
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
TORCH Umbrella
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
STEM Community Training
Traditional TORCH Projects Computer literacy Programming courses Technology Seminar Supplemental Instruction (Course specific) Tutoring College Preparation Web development
Stable location and volunteers Long term program sessions Relationship building
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
Informal Engineering and Science
Introduction level intervention activities
Social context Examples
Kitchen chemistry Open house activities Engineering demonstrations Engineering arts and crafts
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
Other TORCH Programs
A Walk for Education (AWFE) Grassroots event launched in 2005 Members go door to door in underserved minority
communities and provide information on engineering, college, local NSBE programs, SAT and GED preparation
Technical Expertise Services Similar to service learning Targeted to upper level students, graduate students
and alumni Traditional Community Service
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
Data and Assessment
Survey data from all events Student demographics Exposure to engineering School and out of school activities
Feedback from projects In moment quotes Post event responses from parents and students
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
Summer Camping Conference
Clemson University TORCH Design
Competition JETS TEAMS 2008 challenge Physical design task Apprentice style presentations
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“In Georgia, our new curriculum is built upon performance based activities such as the design competition. Our students are challenged to participate in activities similar [in school] . This is what our students need. I would also suggest that chapters be given practice models to help their members get used to the style of the competition and the format.” – M. Tarver, Mentor & Parent
“At first the project was really hard and we didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know I was smart enough to figure it out, but we just needed a little help.” – Student participant
N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
ACT Workshop 80 Students from the local area UTC professors instructed science, reading, math
and English 4 sessions, held twice a year General tutoring all year
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R S
Northeastern University TORCH
Adult computer literacy MS office suite, Alice and Photoshop
courses for K-12 students
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N A T I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F B L A C K E N G I N E E R Sw w w . n s b e . o r g
TORCH Philosophy
Increased Enrollment & Technical Literacy
MentoringAcademic
PreparationEngaging Content
Exposure Experiences
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK ENGINEERS
"Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.” Marian Wright Edelman, Founder of Children’s Defense [email protected]
Acknowledgements:Northeastern University NSBE, University of Tennessee Chattanooga NSBE, Clemson University NSBE