K-12 Network

RIT's Women in Engineering program (also known as WE@RIT) is unique in the way that we incorporate engineering students and faculty to lead and teach girls and young women in grades 4-12 about engineering, creativity, design, teamwork, and technology. We do this by a variety of pre-engineering outreach programs specifically created for girls with grade level in mind. The purpose of our programs is to increase interest among girls in the field of engineering by guiding them through fun, challenging, hands-on engineering experiences and/or projects. Recent programs have involved educational sessions that allow participants to use Lego® Mindstorm NXT kits to create robotic creatures that dance and play music; to create roller coaster structures while exploring concepts related to physics; to design a house for a puppy who has a unique set of customer needs related to environmental conditions; to construct and assemble operational dance pads; and the list goes on and on.  

Program Volunteers: RIT Students
Engineering students, staff, and faculty lead our various educational experiences while helping participants examine the multi-disciplinary engineering aspects of different types of projects.  Therefore, our sessions provide an opportunity for girls and young women to interact with female engineering faculty and female engineering students in a fun and comfortable environment. Events also typically include a keynote speaker, panel discussion for the parents, and closing ceremony.

WE@RIT provides opportunities for current RIT engineering students to volunteer during numerous pre-engineering outreach programs.  The programs are hands-on, fun, and designed to encourage girls and young women in grades 4-12 to consider engineering as a career option.   As program volunteers, RIT students mentor a team of participants while serving as role models.