Training Resources

Everyone representing the field of engineering to girls should be armed with the following.

1. A reference for public communications
2. A consistent message
3. A clarity about what sets engineering apart from other professions
4. An understanding of why engineering matters
5. Tips and techniques for doing this well.

This webpage is divided into three sections.

1. Basic Training
2. Program Specific Training
3. Advanced Training

Basic Training: Inspire the Next Generation of Engineers

In 2008 the National Academy of Engineering released, Changing the Conversation: Messages for Improving Public Understanding of Engineering. In it, they propose a positioning statement for engineering:

“No profession unleashes the spirit of innovation like engineering. From research to real-world applications, engineers constantly discover how to improve lives by creating bold new solutions that connect science to life in unexpected, forward-thinking ways. Few professions turn so many ideas into so many realities. Few have such a direct and positive effect on people’s everyday lives. We are counting on engineers and their imaginations to help us meet eh needs of the 21st century.”

Use this as a reference for a consistent public message that clarifies what sets engineering apart, and emphasizes why engineering matters. A link to a webinar replay around the findings of this study can be found below.

We highly recommend the following webinar trainings to all engineering outreach practitioners:

Role Modeling 101: Inspire Girls in Engineering (Maximizing the Message)
Participants will learn tips and techniques to become more effective role models, and get the most out of hands-on activities, classroom visits, and field trips. Dr. Linda Kekelis and Meg Shimizu from TechBridge (www.techbridgegirls.org) presented on this valuable topic.

Effectively Communicating Engineering Careers to Girls (Maximizing the Message)
Participants will learn about new, research-based messaging and outreach resources from Engineer Your Life and other programs that will help you reach out and encourage youth to consider engineering as a career option. While the title singles out high school girls, this is excellent material for communicating about engineering at any level. Thea Sahr and Ellen Robinson from Engineer Your Life (www.engineeryourlife.org) will be presenting on this valuable topic.

Program Specific Training: How to Use Particular Resources and Programs

SWEeter Futures Webinar Replay
SWEeter Futures is a unique program that tells the story of SWE’s K-12 outreach and more clearly demonstrates our impact.  

This webinar replay features everything SWEeter Futures. We will teach you how to get the most out of your time on the site, along with covering all the basics of using SWEeter Futures.

At the conclusion of the webinar, participants will
• Understand what SWEeter Futures is and why it is so important for SWE
• Understand how to register as a SWEeter Futures user
• Understand how to find volunteer opportunities and register for them
• Understand how to input your volunteer hours
• Understand our goals and view some early and promising statistics
• Understand how to add and promote your section’s events
Listen to the SWEeter Futures Webinar Replay:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/343400994

Wow! That’s Engineering! Grant, TEEMS Grant, & SWEeter Futures Webinar Replay
Wow! That's Engineering! is a funded program geared toward sections or members at large  interested in learning how to run an effective hands-on engineering event for girls for the first time, or those interested in learning how to improve an existing event. 

TEEMS (Together Exploring Engineering, Math and Science) provides funding to encourage SWE and Girls Inc. partnerships. TEEMS brings hands on engineering activities to the girls of Girls Inc. in a minimum of three meetings. 

At the conclusion of the webinar, participants will
•    Understand what each program is
•    Who the programs serve
•    How to apply for these grants
•    Who should apply for these grants
•    How often the grant applications are reviewed
•    What the grants provided beyond funding
•    How much funding is available
Listen to the Wow! That’s Engineering! /TEEMS Webinar Replay: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/779412298

SWE Program Development Grants Webinar Replay
SWE member and PDG leaders Martha Walker will guide you through the details of this valuable source for program funding.

At the conclusion of the webinar, participants will understand:

• What Program Development Grants are and see some examples of funded programs
• What qualifies for a PDG
• How to submit a proposal
• How proposals are evaluated
• Tips for successful grant writing
• The time from proposal submission to funding
• Where to find PDG resources

Listen to the PDG webinar replay at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/485179442