Attracting K 12 Students Into The Engineering Pipeline Early

This paper addresses some of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Science Teacher’s Association’s concerns about science and engineering education in America, especially in the K-12 grades. The preparation of our American K-12 students for engineering universities continues to be a problem. This paper presents specific actions that can be taken by ASEE members and other engineers and scientists to ensure that students will be entering the “Engineering pipeline” for future generations. The lack of motivating experience and hands-on projects in the early K-12 grades in the American public school system turns students away from careers in engineering. The paper presents a national award winning, afterschool program where students 4 th grade through high school become engineers and scientists, by building robots, bridges, boats, cars, airplanes, towers and scores of other hands-on projects. The Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA) curriculum consists of over 50 hands-on projects. Engineers, companies, universities and communities, team with teachers and schools to motivate and excite students with hands-on science, mathematics, engineering and technology.