PittSWE offers events for elementary and middle school students. In the fall, students in grades 3-5 and their parents can attend Elementary Engineering Extravaganza (E3), an event that allows the students to take part in science experiments and allows the parents to learn more about engineering and the Swanson School. Two similar events, Middle School Engineering Day (MSED) and Girls Engineering in Middle School (GEMS), invite middle school students and their parents to campus. High School Engineering Day (HSED) offers the same opportunity for high school students. PittSWE also holds Girl Scout Engineering Day (GSED), in which troops and their leaders are invited to Pitt to take part in awesome experiments and learn more about engineering. To sign up for the Pitt SWE email list to hear about these events, click the link in the menu or scroll to the bottom of the page.

Elementary Engineering Extravaganza

Elementary Engineering Extravaganza (E3), 3rd-5th graders, any gender, parent attendance mandatory
The day starts with a STEM EXPO hosted by Swanson School Clubs. Students then transition to rotating between four science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities throughout the day. All activities include a presentation, demonstration, and hands-on activity. Parents attend a parent session where they are educated on the benefits of giving their children a head start in being involved in STEM early in their education. The session is complete with a panel including SWE student members, an engineering professional, and Swanson representative. E3 is held on a Saturday in both the fall and spring semesters at the University of Pittsburgh.

         

Middle School Engineering Day

Middle School Engineering Day (MSED), 6th-8th, any gender, parent attendance optional
The morning consists of a STEM EXPO featuring various Swanson clubs. After that students will move in four groups to different activities. These activities focus on engineering disciplines, presentations aim to teach about the differences and uniqueness of chosen types of engineering. An optional parent program is provided to allow parents to learn about steps their students can take to have a successful middle school career and set themselves up for a high school schedule that aligns with engineering admission requirements. MSED is held on a Saturday in the fall semester at the University of Pittsburgh.

         

Girls Engineering in Middle School

Girls Engineering in Middle School (GEMS), 6th-8th, girls only, parent attendance optional
This event is very similar to MSED but is a girls-only event that puts an emphasis on equal representation of women in engineering. Girls will participate in activities led by Pitt SWE members all majoring in various types of engineering who are willing to guide and mentor the girls for the day. GEMS is held on a Saturday in the spring semester at the University of Pittsburgh.

         

Girl Scout Engineering Day

Girl Scout Engineering Day (GSED), Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts, parent attendance mandatory
Girl Scout troops and their leaders are invited to participate in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities to work towards their Think Like an Engineer Journey. Troop leaders and parents will attend a program to learn about engineering career possibilities and how to prepare their troop/child for an engineering degree. GSED is held on a Saturday in the fall semester at the University of Pittsburgh.

         

High School Engineering Day

High School Engineering Day (HSED) 9th-12th, any gender, parent attendance optional
Students are invited to spend a day at the University of Pittsburgh and learn more about our engineering programs and future careers in engineering, while also participating in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities. Students will get to tour Benedum Hall and view various labs within the building. Parents are invited to a parent program where information will be given regarding how to help your student transition to college. HSED is held on a Saturday in the fall semester at the University of Pittsburgh.

         

SWEvening

SWEvening,10th-12th, girls only
This unique event begins even before the girls step foot onto campus. During the registration process, each participant will be given a Pitt SWE mentor in which they can email before the event. During the event, the girls will get to tour Benedum Hall, the First Year engineering dormitory Forbes Hall, and various Swanson labs. They spend time getting to know their mentor through fun games and interactive activities. This event occurs during the spring semester at the University of Pittsburgh.

         

SWE++

SWE++, 3rd-5th, girls only
Pitt's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers invites middle school girls (grades 6, 7, & 8) to attend SWE++, a 7-week course that will teach the basics of Python, a popular and easy-to-learn coding language. This program is a fantastic opportunity to introduce your child to coding (NO prior experience required). The SWE++ program will run every Sunday from September 29th to November 11th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in person in Benedum Hall. We hope to see your daughter at SWE++! When registering, please be sure the name on the ticket matches the name of the student registering for the program, not the parent. Please email pittswe.outreach@gmail.com with any questions!

For more information and a link to register
click here.

         

Code Day

Code Day, 3rd-5th, girls only
This event is hosted after the conclusion of the SWE++ program. During the event, girls will rotate between guest speakers, workshops on different computer engineering and computer science topics. This event is open not only to those who have completed the SWE++ program but all local middle school girls. This event will take place on a Saturday during the fall semester at the University of Pittsburgh.

         

SWENext

The Society of Women Engineers is the world's largest advocate for women in engineering and technology with a community of over 40,000 professional and collegiate members.

SWENext is a way for girls to become a part of the SWE engineering community as a student through the age of 18. Although our program focuses on girls, all students are encouraged to get involved.

Learn about this free program and sign up for the monthly newsletter today with the event code PITTSWE here.

Pitt SWE Email List

Fill out the form below if you are interested in signing up for the Pitt SWE email list.
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