This document outlines lessons learned from Central Florida SWE's K-12 outreach activities. It discusses planning an event like "A Day in the Life of a Real Engineer" which aims to promote STEM careers to middle and high school females. The planning process involves defining parameters, applying for Program Development Grants, advertising to volunteers, and preparing volunteers. It also covers following through with attendees by surveying them and holding an essay contest, following through with volunteers by acknowledging them, and following through with SWE by completing grant requirements and sharing outcomes. The document provides tips and examples for each step of planning and executing a successful K-12 outreach event.

1. K-12 Outreach Lessons Learned
Presented by Central Florida SWE:
Cheri Maboudou-Tchao
Atoosa Vaziri

2. Agenda
• Outreach Activity Example
• Plan
• Follow Through
• Speaker Contact Information
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3. Outreach Activity Example
• “A Day in the Life of a
Real Engineer” promotes
STEM careers to middle
and high school aged
females
• Event encourages female
students interest in the
engineering curriculum
offered by Seminole
County schools
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4. Outreach Activity Example (Cont.)
• Central Florida (CFL) SWE
holds an annual event in
local middle and high
schools
• 2013 Event: 117 High
School students and 30
students from Middle
School
• During the last five
events, valuable
improvements made
based on survey results
from students and
feedback from volunteers
and school staff
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5. Outreach Activity Example (Cont.)
• Members volunteer
their time and
expertise to set up
different hands-on
workshops, speaker
presentations, and
panel discussions
• Other volunteers
showcase engineering
companies and
colleges
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6. Plan
• Define parameters for
the event
• Take advantage of
the Program
Development Grants
(PDG) offered by SWE
• Advertise for the
event
• Engage Volunteers
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7. Plan: Define parameters for the event
• Age
• Location
• Focus area
• Length of time
• Target number of
attendees
• Target number of
volunteers required
• Budget/Sponsors
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8. Plan: Program Development Grants
How to Submit a Proposal for
SWE PDG Funding
• You can access PDG
requirements and
application from the
SWE website
• Plan at least 3-4
months ahead of the
event
• http://societyofwome
nengineers.swe.org/in
dex.php/swe-program-development-
grants
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9. Plan: Advertise Event
Advertisement Method:
•SWE Outreach calendar
•Section SWE website;
monthly eBlasts; and
personal emails to
members
•Members email their
companies
SWE Events Calendar
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10. Plan: Advertise Event
Advertisement Content:
•Purpose and format of
event
•Type of support needed,
number of volunteers
•Logistical information
•Organizer contact
information
eBlast Announcement
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11. Plan: Engage Volunteers
• Contact volunteers as
soon as possible
• Determine interests
(presentation or
workshop)
• Respond to questions
in a timely manner
• Identify any material
or facility support
needed
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12. Plan: Prepare Volunteers
At initial request
•Discuss age group and
students/group (to tailor the
workshop or presentation)
•Discuss duration of the
workshop event
•Provide number of
workshops to be conducted
for the event
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13. Plan: Prepare Volunteers (cont.)
Close to event date
•Discuss schedule and
any changes
•Provide event location
and map (including
parking)
•Confirm volunteer
assignments (roles and
expectations)
•Communicate dress
code
Volunteer Assignments
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14. Plan: Prepare Volunteers (cont.)
Logistics Checklist
•Facility requirements for
workshop (indoor/outdoor,
computer, projector, water,
electricity, etc.)
•Confirm workshop materials
required
•Ensure budget availability
•Check on site specific
requirements (volunteer
forms, background checks)
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15. Follow through with Attendees
Essay Contest
Survey
Complete at event for
immediate feedback
Essay Contest
Encourages continued
attendee involvement
•Topic: “Research successful
female engineers as possible
role models”
•Prize: iPad (if budget
allows)
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16. Follow through with Volunteers
• Acknowledge
volunteers at end of
event
• Provide recognition
certificate and/or
small appreciation gift
• Send survey and
confirm interest in
upcoming events
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17. Follow through with SWE
• Complete grant
requirements on time
• Summarize event in
section newsletter
and on website
• Submit summary in
community
newsletters and
newspapers
City of Sanford Newsletter
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18. Speaker Contact Information
Atoosa Vaziri
cflswemembership@swe.org
Cheri Maboudou-Tchao
cheri.maboudou-tchao@swe.org
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