Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- On Dec. 1 and 8, approximately 40 girls ages 13 to 17 will come to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus to learn about engineering and present their own engineering design projects.

Sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers, in collaboration with the Green Hills Girl Scout Council, the Sky's the Limit Program is designed to teach young women about the engineering design process and careers in engineering. The first part of the program was held Oct. 26 to 28 and Nov. 2 to 4, at the Cooper Living and Learning Center at Pioneer Farm. The girls had a choice as to which date to attend the program. During that time, the girls designed a balsa wood tower to be tested on an earthquake simulator as UWP engineering students mentored them.

"For the (UWP) students, it's an opportunity for them to be confident in their major and give back to the community," said Tammy Salmon-Stephens, senior director of Women in Engineering Programs and the Engineering Advising Office.

During the second part of the program, each group will give a presentation about their tower. The presentations will take place on Dec. 1 and 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Thomas Lundeen Lecture Hall in Doudna Hall on the UWP Campus.

"The program exposes the girls to the science, technology, engineering and math professions. It gives them hands-on experience in a project and they get a sense for what engineers might do in the workplace. They also learn about professionalism," said Salmon-Stephens.

Sky's the Limit is sponsored in part by a $10,000 grant from Lockheed Martin that was obtained by the Girl Scouts of Green Hills Council. The grant was awarded to introduce high school women to careers in engineering and technology. The program has nearly doubled in attendance and grant awards since it began last year. Last year, a grant of $5,000 was awarded and approximately 20 girls participated.

Anyone wanting more information about the Sky's the Limit program may contact Salmon-Stephens at (608) 342-1563 or salmont@uwplatt.edu

Contact: Tammy Salmon-Stephens, senior director, Women in Engineering Programs and Engineering Advising Office, (608) 342-1563, salmont@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu