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How can I help my child become an engineer if I don't know anything about engineering? 

1. Send them to a introduction to engineering summer camp. See the listing of summer camps on this web site for more information.
2. Help them get involved in an engineering competition such as Future City, a Robotics Competition, the Science Olympiad and others. See the listing of    
    competitions on this web site for more information.
3. Encourage math and science classes in school.
4. Visit all the engineering schools in your area.

My daughter is not very good in math but she wants to be an engineer, what should I do?

1. Help her find a mentor. Studies show that girls do better in science and math if they have a mentor. Advisors or career counselors should know if a mentoring network is established or if there are any upperclassmen willing to help.
2. Research shows that women are being discouraged from science and technology at a young age. One of the reasons why girls tend to shy away from the field of engineering is because communities and clubs that serve kids with technical interests are largely male-dominated. To interest more girls in science and technology, both educational institutions and households must make a concentrated effort to breed an atmosphere of encouragement where gender does not apply. We must convince girls that technical careers are not just attainable, but fulfilling.

What classes should my child be taking in school?

Your child should take as much math and science as possible. These courses are the foundation of engineering. There are different types of engineering you could choose based on which type of science you like best. For example, if your child likes chemistry, chemical engineering might be a good choice. If he/she likes biology, biomedical engineering might be of interest.

Engineers also need communication skills. Engineers usually work in teams and have to work with people in management, finance, construction and more. Engineers write reports to document their work so others can use it or add to it. The best engineers are not just math and science geeks. They are those that have a well-rounded education. The best ones do great engineering with their math and science background, but then convince someone to provide financial support for their project and work with the construction forces to actually build something.

The best thing to do is check with your school counselor to get specific advice and direction on the courses available at your school. Even if your school does not offer all the courses necessary to prepare for engineering, your counselor will be able to help you determine what you can do to get ready.
Adapted from discoverengineering.org advice

May my daughter/son take only one or two of the courses in the PLTW program?

The simple answer is, "Yes." The number of courses a student may take depends on the courses offered in the school, the student's interest and success in PLTW courses, and his/her life's goals. If a student were to enroll in just one course, s/he would learn problem-solving skills, as well as math and science skills, which would be helpful in many school courses.


Are PLTW courses challenging? 
Students who have done well in their math and science courses and who like to use computers will find these courses intellectually stimulating and manageable. Each course has something special to offer all students because it is, depending on the course, a hands-on daily experience in problem-solving skills, in electronics, robotics, and manufacturing processes.

Because PLTW believes engineering and engineering technology are exciting careers, instructors have been trained in a teaching approach which involves students in the same team problem-solving activities used in college and industry. In addition, the problem-solving/analytical skills and processes are applicable to any career field. If, however, a student decides engineering is not for him or her, that learning will have occurred in high school and not later in college.


My daughter is interested but wonders if the courses are "for boys." Are they? 

Experience has shown when PLTW courses are introduced that girls, as well as boys, sign up and do well in the courses.

Using computers to design new products and control automated systems for producing new medicines, for example, or for manufacturing equipment is a dramatic change from the traditional perception of what engineers do.

Because there is a dramatic need for engineers and engineering technologists in the world, opportunities are equally there for boys and girls. Because PLTW courses are so stimulating, everyone focuses on problem-solving, on working together, and on being successful. In addition, colleges and industry are actively seeking female students and engineers as well as engineers from under represented ethnic groups in their efforts to diversify their professional workforce.


Do colleges accept PLTW courses for admission?

Colleges vary in how they accept or recognize PLTW and AP courses. PLTW has agreements with a number of area colleges who will accept certain PLTW courses for credit. All courses count as far as the total number of high school units students have completed. Some colleges waive the entry or first-year course(s) in engineering and enroll students in the second year college course. All of this depends on the college. You are invited to consider the Exemplary Student Recognition Program that can result in transcripted college credit from SDSU. See the "Certification" page.


The Best 10 Things Parents Can Do to Promote Engineering in 2011

1. Keep the Faith - Your child can do it!

Remember that math and science grades are not always good indicators of success in engineering school. My nephew claims that math is his favorite subject.  However, he only has a C in the class because he forgets to turn in his homework.  Grades in his case are a poor indicator of his ability and potential.

2. Don’t pass on bad math attitudes

Engineering is not all math.  It’s just one of the tools in the engineer’s box.  Show your child that math and science are fun by making real world connections.  An example of where students can become very skilled at math is when you take your child shopping for clothes and the sale price is 20 percent off, don't allow them to get that beautiful jacket they crave unless they can tell you the correct price.

3. Help your child explore careers

I talked to an engineer who told me he loved to fish as a kid.  Every chance he got he was out fishing.  Wouldn’t it be great if your child found the perfect job within his or her favorite hobby?  The guy in the fishing story is now the head fishing reel engineer for Pure Fishing, Inc.  There are countless stories about engineers finding their dream jobs through their hobbies.

4. Enroll your son or daughter in an engineering camp this summer

Camps are a great way to expose your son or daughter to engineering. See a listing of summer camps here.

5. Promote after-school activities

After-school programs in robotics or math are available at many locations.  To find more programs you can also explore this list of engineering related competitions.

6. Provide subtle communication

If your kids are typical teenagers, sometimes it’s very hard to talk to them about career opportunities.  If I ask my nephews to look at a book or catalog, they find a million reasons to ignore my request.   A successful strategy is to very quietly leave college catalogs or career books lying around the house.  Make sure they are visible but not too obvious.  After a few days or weeks, you may notice that the book or catalog has been moved.

7. Supply direct communication

Many students form their attitudes about careers as a result of their interactions with family members.  This can be used to your advantage by inviting to dinner any engineers or people in the field of technology. Encouraging that person to talk about his of her career – how he or she got into it and why it’s satisfying.  This can be a natural springboard for your child’s questions and exploration.

8.  Take educational vacations

When you travel around the country or even in your local area, there are many sights that will help your family learn about engineering.  Places such as Hoover Dam, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Thomas Edison’s Birthplace, Museums of Ceramics or Aeronautics, roller coasters, etc. can all be educational and fun too.  For sights in your area or to help you plan a road-trip, visit www.engineeringsights.org

9. Visit the websites of engineering colleges

Sit down with your child and check out the websites for your local colleges of engineering.  Find out what is going on in your local area and look for ways to be involved. Make notes of what each school offers and especially about what seems exciting to your child. Make sure they know how to look for important information such as scholarships and entrance requirements.  You can never do this too soon.

10. Find a mentor

Mentoring is successful because it’s a one-on-one learning experience that can be so much more than a technical learning experience.  Mentors can help students learn approaches into competitive industries, help them network, introduce them to key players, teach them how to listen, and help them evaluate solutions to problems.  Mentoring is a part of being successful in any industry but especially for careers that are competitive. MentorNet is good place to begin searching for a mentor if you don't know anyone locally.
Coutesy of http://www.engineeringedu.com/celestes_blog/2010/12/parents.html

How can I pay for college?

1. Visit Super College. They have a wealth of information for parents interested in finding ways to afford college tuition.
2. Scholarships in Engineering.






Editor: Mark A. Tobin