January/February 2020

NSPE Today
Looking for Adventure? Be an EWeek Pioneer

For nearly 70 years, Engineers Week has provided an avenue for those in the engineering profession to educate, celebrate, and spread the word about engineering and its role in our society. This year’s EWeek Celebration from February 16–22, 2020, offers engineers nationwide an opportunity to embrace this year’s theme to be a “Pioneer of Progress.” For Engineers Week 1990, DiscoverE, the nonprofit that oversees EWeek, issued the first nationwide call to engineers to visit a classroom and introduce K–12 students to engineering.

Thirty years later, DiscoverE is encouraging engineers to talk to students and introduce engineering concepts with hands-on activities, not just during EWeek but year-round. Although the one-week celebration spotlights the profession, DiscoverE and its more than 100 partners and numerous more volunteers provide resources and promote the profession throughout the year.

This year, you can share your thoughts and opinions on the state of the profession and the outlook for the future in the Global Engineer Survey on DiscoverE’s website, and you could be chosen to win a $50 gift card. Take the survey by January 10 to be eligible and see the results on the Global Day of the Engineer (below).

February 15–19

Future City Competition
Finals Washington, DC
Future City starts with a question: How can we make the world a better place? To answer it, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students imagine, research, design, and build cities of the future that showcase their solutions to a citywide sustainability issue. Past topics include stormwater management, urban agriculture, public spaces, and green energy. The 2019–20 theme is “Clean Water: Tap Into Tomorrow.” Teams will choose a threat to their city’s water supply and design a resilient system to maintain a reliable supply of clean drinking water.

February 18

Future City Competition Finals
Ceremony
Washington, DC

February 20

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (Girl Day) helps focus a growing movement to inspire girls’ futures so they learn they have a place in engineering a better world. In just one day you can make a difference by sharing your knowledge, experience, and some fun! Give girls the chance to think like an engineer and you’ll be amazed at what you learn!

March 4

Global Day of the Engineer
Global Day is the worldwide event that celebrates and recognizes engineers. Join us. It’s easy to participate from anywhere:

• Show your pride—share photos of engineering celebrations you’ve been a part of.
• Honor colleagues, family, and friends who are engineers.
• Share photos of engineering wonders.
• Engage students in engineering activities.

March 11 (to April 8)

Global Marathon
The Global Marathon is an annual series of free, online events designed to connect, support, and empower women in engineering worldwide. Join a global network to build community, excite new thinking, and work together to shape a more inclusive and welcoming profession. Participate in short, weekly sessions from your computer or handheld device to hear uplifting stories, gain actionable career advice, and engage with inspiring and knowledgeable women around the world.

April 24–26

USA Science & Engineering Festival
Washington, DC
The nation’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) returns to Washington, DC, and welcomes thousands of students, teachers and families. The USA Science & Engineering Festival serves as an open forum to showcase all facets of STEM.