WVU's Statler College to host second Engineers Week essay contest

 

West Virginia University's Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will host its second essay contest as part of its annual Engineers Week activities.

Celebrating its 65th year, Engineers Week, slated for February 21-17, is a national celebration of how engineers make a difference in our world, with goals to increase public dialogue about the need for engineers and to bring engineering to life for kids, educators and parents. The Statler College competition, which has been expanded to include students in K-12 programs (public, private, home schooled) across the state, features essay and problem solving activities.

"The competition was expanded so that we can introduce more students to engineering," said Cate Schlobohm, outreach coordinator. "It also gives West Virginia students in all grades the chance to learn how much our state is impacted through the work of engineers."

All submissions must be received by Friday, February 12, at 5 p.m. Winners will be notified by email and announced on the Statler College's Twitter and Facebook accounts. 

Elementary school students - grades K-5 - are being asked to think about a problem that they or someone they know encounters daily in the state. Entrants must state the problem, then design and draw a device or process that will solve this problem. A technical drawing with all parts labeled and a detailed description that communicates the idea behind their engineering design must be included. One state winner from each grade will be chosen.

Middle school students - grades 6-8 - are asked to write an essay on a specific way that engineers have a direct impact on their daily life. One state winner from each grade will be chosen.

There are two categories for high school students. Students in grades 9-10 must discuss an engineering achievement that has impacted the state of West Virginia. Students in grades 11-12 must pick an engineering discipline offered at WVU and discuss career opportunities for this type of engineer within the state of West Virginia. Winners will be announced at the county, regional and state levels.

Engineers Week at WVU is sponsored by the Williams Company, with Thrasher Engineering providing additional support for the contest.

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