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Gulf & Main Magazine

2020 Engineering Experience Event Goes Virtual, Paving the Way for Future Career Showcases for Lee County Students

Biomedical Engineering Group Breakout Session

Dr. Amanda Sterk, College UnMazed

A diverse group of 70 high school students from The School District of Lee County Public Schools met virtually with 15 professionals from 12 different local engineering companies in early November for the 2020 Engineering Experience Event, held virtually via Zoom.

The high school students, as well as 15 post-secondary students from area colleges, and professionals interacted with each other and engaged in panels and roundtable discussions, allowing students to gain insight into the many engineering opportunities in the Southwest Florida area. 

"Events like these provide our Lee County students with in-depth career exploration opportunities and a chance to connect with local businesses," said Kelly Thawley, a career specialist at the district. "Students are able to ask questions and receive insight from professionals in specific career fields."
 
This event reflects an extraordinary collaborative effort between multiple organizations of different areas of expertise, the district emphasized in a recent press release.
 
“It was a fun experience and wonderful to see so many students with an interest in the Engineering field. I am happy to have been part of this event, and to pass along some of my personal experiences”, commented Lee Flynn, Principal at AIM Engineering & Surveying, Inc.

Thawley went on to say the district has received great feedback from the students, teachers, and parents alike. Students especially enjoyed learning from the post-secondary students, who were able to join from Florida Gulf Coast University’s U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering, the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, and Florida SouthWestern State College to share about their college experiences.

"The experience was very thought-provoking," Aiden Emery, a student at Dunbar High School said. "The various views of the engineers we met helped me consider whether pursuing engineering is a viable option for me, and further, what field is most appealing to me. It also offered insight into potential internships and colleges that would guide me into a career of engineering."

Civil Engineering Group Breakout Session

Kady Jackson, at North Fort Myers High School, added, “As a senior about to go to college, I was pretty sure that I wanted to be an engineer, but I felt like I didn’t know anything about what the schooling or career entailed. After going to the Engineering Event, and listening to local engineers and engineering students, I learned so much. I now feel 100% confident and I’m so excited for my future as an engineer!”

Thawley said the district anticipates virtual conferences like this to be an ongoing trend as the global pandemic eventually subsides.

"One positive outcome we’ve seen from being required to pivot to virtual events versus face-to-face is the access," she said. "Professionals have the ability to connect more easily to our students without having to leave their offices, even from across the country. Transportation is no longer a barrier for students and parents."

Rita Davis, Director of Career & Technical Education for the district concluded, “Our first annual ‘Engineering Experience Event’ was a tremendous undertaking and an equally tremendous success. Business members, school district staff, teachers, high school, and post-secondary students, all joined together virtually to learn and engage while sparking young minds to consider the vast opportunities in the field of Engineering. We are grateful for the support from our sponsors as well as members of the development team. We are already brainstorming ideas for next year’s event.”

The event was presented by the School District of Lee County’s Career & Technical Education Department, in partnership with the engineering program teachers at multiple high schools. The event was sponsored by Atkins Global and Cardno, two engineering firms with local offices. Dr. Amanda Sterk, College UnMazed, presented tips and tricks for post-secondary and scholarship applications. Lunch was prepared and delivered to the various high schools by Jason’s Deli. 

Information and photos provided by The School District of Lee County