National Engineers Week 2008
Celebrating the Contributions of Engineers to our Society
National Engineers Week occurs in February each year, and is held to create awareness of the contributions of engineers to society.
National Engineers Week is a promotion that was started in 1951 to create awareness of the contributions of engineers to the good of humanity. It is generally held during the third week in February each year, and encompasses national and local activities. One of the main focuses is educating students and the public in general about who engineers are, what they do, and the benefits they have provided.
History of National Engineers Week
National Engineers Week was created in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers and coincides with Presidents' Day. This is no cooincidence, since George Washington, the first president of the United States, was a land surveyor and engineer.
Since its inception, the current US president has sent a statement to engineers in recognition for their contributions. The US Congress also passes resolutions to celebrate the accomplishments of engineers. Early actvities were limited to proclamations and a few dinners, but over the last half-century, the activities have become widespread.
National Engineers Week Activities
The activities of National Engineers Week are coordinated through the Eweek website. The website provides ideas for local organizations, resources for student groups and activities that the individual engineer can do to spread the word about the engineering profession.
One of the main goals of National Engineers Week is to educate students about engineering and what engineers do. These activities include "Introduce a Girl to Engineering", a program where companies who employ female engineers provide tours and presentations on engineering. Several programs are available for organizations to present to students of all ages with age-approprate activities. Many engineering schools conduct their own activities, including project fairs.
In addition to activities within organizations, the National Engineers Week website encourages individual engineers to get out and promote the engineering profession in their own way. This includes speaking to students at local high schools or middle schools about engineering, visit local historical engineering landmarks, help out with local mathematics, science, or engineering competitions, or organize Engineering Week activities in the office.
Many engineering societies, including the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) hold local awards banquets to coincide with National Engineers Week. These banquets allow local companies to recognize exceptional engineering personnel in their organizations and celebrate their contributions among their peers.
National Engineers Week allows engineers to be proud of their profession, the advancements that engineering expertise has provided, and to help energize the next generation of engineers.
