Local women engineers guide the next generation

One generation of San Diego women engineers is mentoring the next generation as the local chapter of the Society of Women Engineers has connected with girls studying engineering at Mira Mesa and Scripps Ranch high schools.

Under the watchful eye of today's professionals, the Mira Mesa High team developed a toy to help teach primary colors to a client while the Scripps Ranch High team was matched with a client that cannot communicate verbally and only has function of two fingers. A lap desk was built for the client to assist with answering yes/no questions.

The challenge from the professionals was building and presenting a learning adaptability solution for a patient at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Girls from Mira Mesa and Scripps Ranch High Schools participated in the STEP Up event sponsored by the local chapter of the Society of Women Engineers to use their engineering skills in the service of others. STEP Up (Service Through Engineering Program) is in its third year and focuses on building and presenting a learning adaptability solution for a patient at Rady Children’s Hospital. The teams, consisting of three-six girls, are matched to a child patient as well as their parents and physical therapist.

Students from both teams said the event was a great learning experience that helped them see that engineers solve problems to help people. It further emphasized the importance of communication, working as a team, and time management. The girls are all currently enrolled in the engineering programs at their high schools that are supported in the district by the Office of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE).

For more information, please contact Melissa Woods in the CCTE Office at mwoods@sandi.net or (858) 503-1837 or the Society of Women Engineers STEP Up program.