The Mercer University School of Engineering will organize a network of science and mathematics teachers in rural districts of south and central Georgia to enhance their understanding of the engineering field. The goal is to improve their ability to interest students in engineering, counsel them about its opportunities and educational requirements, and insure their courses prepare students well for entry into engineering colleges. Through the network the School will provide the teachers with workshops in engineering fundamentals, current technology for incorporation in science curricula, and examples of mathematics applications in industry. The three year program will include: (1) one-week summer residential institutes on the Mercer campus; (2) school year visits by engineering educators to elementary, middle, and high schools for demonstrations, lectures and counseling; (3) a final one-day working reunion and planning session for network continuation, and (4) a regular newsletter. During the three years at least 100 teachers will have been in the summer workshops, and 200 teachers and 6000 students will have been involved in school year activities. Particular emphasis will be given to reaching female and minority students, since they have traditionally been underrepresented in engineering. Cost sharing by the partners will total 8% of the National Science Foundation funding.
