Boston, MA – February 20, 2008 – Following the success of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Discovery Program from the summer of 2007, Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Department of Electronics and Mechanical announces the return of the program in the summer of 2008. The three-week program is an educational, motivational, and fun introduction to the engineering technology fields for qualified Boston-area high school students interested in STEM. The first three-week program will run from June 23 to July 18, and a second session is tentatively scheduled for July 21 to August 8.

The objectives of the program are to provide students with the opportunity to study STEM subjects in a unique, engaging, and hands-on manner; to be introduced to several engineering fields and college level academics; to learn about professional careers possible in STEM fields; and to obtain important tools and knowledge for achieving academic success throughout their student careers.

“Building on last summer’s successful launch of the program, we have refined the curriculum to provide more exciting opportunities for students to explore interests in a variety of scientific and technical fields,” said Sandeep Dilwali, department head for the electronics and mechanical department. “By engaging students in compelling instructional and laboratory settings, and exposing them to real-life experiences, students gain a clear understanding of personal and academic interests and potential STEM career paths.”

Each course consists of academic content that is taught at the introductory college level representing the disciplines of biomedical engineering, civil engineering technology, bioinformatics, electrical engineering technology, and mechanical engineering technology.

Through close collaboration with local businesses, professionals, and industries in STEM fields, the program will supplement courses with guest lecturers, discussions, field trips, and hands-on projects, with a goal of informing students about the professional opportunities that can be pursued in the STEM fields. In addition to classroom and laboratory work, students who participated in the 2007 STEM Discovery Program visited Blue Hills’ Observatory, Genzyme Corporation, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society to learn more about a specific topic discussed in class.

More information about the program, application, schedule, and cost, can be accessed at www.wit.edu/em/summer. Applications for this program are currently being accepted for both sessions.

Wentworth Institute of Technology
Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology is an independent, co-educational nationally ranked institution offering career-focused education through 15 Bachelor degree programs in areas such as architecture, computer science and systems, construction management, design, engineering, engineering technology, environmental science, and management. For over a century, Wentworth has been a leader in technical education known for its academic excellence, community service, and support for the economic growth of the region. For more information, please visit www.wit.edu.