Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The Society of Women Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently received a sponsorship of $2,500 from Integrys Energy Group. The sponsorship will be divided between professional development and outreach activities. The goal of SWE outreach is to inspire women to achieve their full potential by succeeding and advancing in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These opportunities allow students to become mentors and role models for younger women. The sponsorship will allow SWE more revenue for their planned outreach activities that include the Engineering Expo, Science and Technology Day, and the Experience Practical Engineering event.

The Engineering Expo is a program held in April and local elementary, middle and high school students come to the UWP campus to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Society of Women Engineers sponsors one workshop each year to educate students on what type of things engineers do, and what future opportunities are available to them. With the donation from Integrys, this year the Society of Women Engineers will be able to sponsor two workshops to inform students about the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Another outreach activity that Integrys will sponsor is the Society of Women Engineer's Science and Technology Day seminar. This event is a hands-on program that enables young women to learn about science and the application of engineering in everyday life. The Integrys sponsorship will provide the materials to educate approximately 50 young women. With this education, young women will get the opportunity to see how engineering is a rewarding career path and make educated decisions about their future.

In addition, the donation from Integrys will sponsor a Society of Women Engineers Experience Practical Engineering event that educates college students on the practical applications of technology and engineering. This year's workshop will include tool identification, car repair and the importance of effective communication. Having the Society of Women Engineers facilitate an event of this nature encourages women to explore non-traditional career paths and demonstrate that women have no limits. This assists in building both their confidence and practical skills.

Furthermore, a portion of the sponsorship from Integrys Energy Group will be dedicated to sponsor the Inaugural Evening with Industry. This event would encourage women in the Society of Women Engineers to network and dine with professionals from your organization.

Professional development is very important to the Society of Women Engineers at UWP. This year, the SWE will be attending conferences to connect with other women, as well as larger organizations, to hear about their successes, new ideas and inspirations. With the sponsorship, they will also be able to send SWE representatives to the SWE National Conference in Baltimore, Md. in November.

Says Jenna Walsh, a student and member of SWE, "The Society of Women Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is truly privileged to receive this sponsorship. This sponsorship will give us the opportunity to expand our current outreach programs as well as our professional development efforts. We are passionate about inspiring women to reach their full potential and this donation provides funding for these endeavors. We are extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to seeing the positive results in the near future."

Anyone wanting more information about SWE may contact Jenna Walsh at walshje@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Jenna Walsh, Society of Women Engineers, walshje@uwplatt.edu Written by: Dawn Picton, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, pictond@uwplatt.edu