Wanted: Science and Engineering Mentors

The Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) high school internship program of Saturday Academy is seeking applications from professionals and leaders of color who want to serve as mentors in 2009.

Studies show that there is much work to be done to ensure that more Latinos, African-Americans, and women are represented in engineering and science fields.

The ASE program matches students interested in science, technology, and engineering with mentors in academia and the private sector for eight-week, full-time, summer internships. ASE seeks motivated mentors who want to develop Oregon's next generation of scientists, engineers, medical providers, researchers, and technologists.

According to a Businessweek article, a National Science Foundation study shows that African American students make up about 6% of engineering undergraduate students. Women's share of bachelor's degrees in computer science dropped from 37% to 25% between 1985 and 2004.

By 2010, the U.S. will need 20% more engineers, yet the growth rate in the number of engineering, math, and science graduates is expected to be about 2%.

By 2050, 85% of workforce entrants are expected to be people of color and women. And, says the National Science Foundation, minorities are expected to make up more than half of the resident college-age population of the U.S. by 2050, up from 34% in 1999. Today's minorities are tomorrow's majorities.

For companies and organizations, hosting an ASE internship offers an exceptional chance for employees to exercise their leadership, managerial, and motivational talent.

Talented ASE interns contribute as assistant project managers, researchers, or programmers. Interns gain pre-professional scientific, technological, or engineering experience which greatly enhances college and scholarship applications. In some cases, students on the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program automatically qualify for a $2,000 stipend. Interns may also receive high school credit depending on position and school policy.

Click for the 2009 ASE Preliminary Application. Application deadline is January 31, 2009.

Contact Amy Hesse for additional information or call 503.200.5861.

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