A mentoring program began in 2012. Participants are continually invited to join in. E-mail the project coordinator, Janet Matsen (jmatsen@uw.edu) to begin.
At the May meeting at Ivars, we had 6 high school students join.
About Our Program
Are you a student, interested in career options that can help you shape the future?
Are you a Chem E professional interested in making a difference in a young person's life while advancing the field of Chemical Engineering?
We are now seeking mentors and mentees for group and one-on-one mentoring between Puget Sound high-school aged youth and active chemical engineering professionals! Funding for the events listed below for all participants is paid for by AICHE.
Our program will include:
- A kick-off pizza party in which all mentors & mentees meet. We will survey the interests of the mentees and match individuals to active chemical engineering professionals. We will present topics requested by mentees. Topics may include “what doors does an engineering degree open?”, “what is chemical engineering?”, as well as other topics as requested. The date will be selected based on availability of the participants.
- Mentor/mentee one-on-one ½ day job shadow. The mentor hosts the mentee at their job, explaining their role in the company, and how their engineering degree prepared them for their job. Over lunch, the mentee can ask whatever questions to explore life as a Chem E.
- Mentor/mentee joint attendance of regular Puget Sound AICHE meetings (optional). These approximately monthly meetings feature a guest speakers, exposure to even more active engineering professionals, and a meal. Presentations have included "Sustainability @ Startbucks," "Young Leaders of Local Tech Startups," "Carbon Capture for Mittigation of Global Warming," and "Manufacturing Plant Operations in China." Other meetings include social barbecues, and tours of the local recycling facility & the Duamish. All past meetings are listed here. You can attend whatever meetings match your availability and interests.
A note to mentees:
Chemical engineers are the most versatile of engineers, advancing medicine, biotechnology, microelectronics, advanced materials, energy, consumer products, manufacturing, and environmental solutions. We are the individuals best suited to bridge science and technology to help improve the world. You can watch an inspirational video from the National Academy of Engineers here, or see chemical engineering in action here.
This mentorship program presents a unique opportunity to meet professional chemical engineers working in diverse fields.
If you are a high school student interested in any field of engineering, this mentorship program will help give you context for what possibilities may become available if you pursue engineering.
If you are interested, please fill out this form.
A note to mentors:
Mentoring is a wonderful opportunity to help others, reflect upon your own career and its significance. You can pass on lessons you have learned, strengthen enthusiasm for your career, and practice skills that are useful in your own career. Most of the 10 students participating are from science/technology oriented high schools: TAF academy, TEC, and Lake Washington Institute of Technology's Technical Academy.
You may enjoy this note Alice Chapman composed to reflect on her mentoring experience and provide helpful details for your mentoring.
If you are interested, plase fill out this form.
Participation:
We are currently seeking mentors and mentees. Please e-mail Janet Matsen, the project coordinater, at jmatsen@uw.edu with questions.