Rowan engineering to host High School Scholars Program

March 13, 2008

Rowan University's College of Engineering will host the High School Scholars Program from July 8 to August 7.  The program will expose students selected from populations under-represented in technological fields to transportation engineering, including women and minorities.

The Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program (GAMTTEP) is funding the High School Scholars Program through a $100,000 grant.  GAMTTEP, an initiative of the Federal Highway Administration, seeks to better prepare students-especially women and minorities-in science, math, and technology through various activities related to transportation. GAMTTEP strives to satisfy the nation's growing need for a skilled, diverse transportation workforce by sparking interest and spreading knowledge in various populations, according to the organization.

The grant partners the College of Engineering with the Millville Board of Education.  Through March, Millville and Rowan will work together to recruit students from 10th, 11th and 12th grades to fill the 24 slots in the program.  All interested students are required to fill out an application due to Dr. Kauser Jahan, program coordinator and Rowan professor of civil engineering, by April 4 (she can be reached at jahan@rowan.edu).

The four-week program will take place Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Participants will have access to transportation provided through the program and will be paid a $1,500 stipend for their research activities.

Participating students will have the opportunity to conduct research, gain work experience, listen to educational seminars from various professionals and learn from field trips to area bridges, airports and other transportation engineering-related structures.

The 2008 Young Engineer of the Year, Rajeev K. Arora, will be the keynote speaker and one of several professionals in the field scheduled to participate in the program.

Twelve professors from all four Rowan engineering disciplines (chemical, mechanical, electrical and computer, and civil and environmental) also will participate in the program.  Each professor will contribute his or her own research topic for students.  These professors also will serve as mentors to participating students during and after the program.  

Each participant also will be partnered with a Rowan engineering student to help with immediate inquiries regarding engineering, Rowan and current research projects as well as other general topics.

The program also will encourage students to participate in community building modules-various social events including picnics, informal lunches and movies.

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