Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2 - (Page 16)

Specs Beyond the Making the grade a hands-on demonstration of engineering tools and devices—activities designed to provide an interactive experience. “It’s important that we not only speak to students about how great engineering is but that we show them first-hand and energize them with hands-on CTE, DMJM Aviation and DMJM Harris invest in the next generation A ccording to the U.S. Department of Labor, by 2016, de- activities,” says Frank Wengler, P vice presi.E., dent and planning and engineering practice leader. “By taking an active role with students at the middle school level, we have a unique opportunity to expose them to possibilities they might never have considered before.” mand for civil engineers in the U.S. is expected to increase by 18 percent. But with qualified graduates of engineering programs expected to decrease, many of these positions may well go unfilled. >> DMJM Aviation’s Houston office worked with middle school students as part of a local mentoring program. Building a future In Chicago, CTE has partnered with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) on a unique program called Playground Pilots. The program puts high school students in charge of designing and building playgrounds in elementary schools throughout the city. “Playground Pilots encourages students to manage their projects as if they were running a business,” says Ray Heitner, P .E., CTE’s vice president and program director of CPS’ Capital Improvement Program. Created in 2002, the program currently involves more than 50 sophomores, juniors and seniors who set their own rules and guidelines, and even address disciplinary issues, under the guidance of a management team of adults. Since its formation, students have built more than 100 playgrounds. The program has been so successful that last year when the City of Chicago required maintenance and renovations of its campus parks, it turned to Playground Pilots to develop a plan to address the needs at more than 100 facilities throughout the city. Student response to the program has been positive as well—in 2007 more than 400 students applied for the 13 available openings that resulted from the departures of graduating seniors. “I’m most proud of the success of the students who entered the program,” says Heitner. “They learn invaluable skills on a daily basis, such as >> To combat this trend, employees of CTE, DMJM Aviation and DMJM Harris have made it their mission to inspire and mentor the next generation of engineers. From working with elementary and high school students, to offering support for today’s young engineers, these staff members are taking action and giving back to the profession. “It’s always gratifying to see professionals take time from their busy schedules to share their enthusiasm for the profession,” says Richard Wolsfeld, P .E., AICP president of CTE and chief , executive officer of the group that includes sister companies CTE, DMJM Aviation and DMJM Harris. “Our employees have really begun to step up to the plate in taking responsibility for inspiring and mentoring the next generation of engineers, planners and architects.” have put together several programs dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers. Most recently, the office hosted a group of middle school students as part of the “Take a Student to Your Employer” (TASTE) program. The TASTE program is one of many initiatives undertaken through Houston’s Aspiring Youths, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk teenagers discover possible career opportunities. “Along with our AECOM sister company, TCB, we wanted to participate in a program in our local area of Houston that would inspire students to stay in school and work hard,” says DMJM Aviation financial planner Rebecca Barbier. “Through TASTE we have the opportunity to show students how their hard work can lead to a rewarding career in the field of engineering.” The Houston employees worked together to de- A TASTE of engineering In DMJM Aviation’s Houston office, employees 16 Legacy—VOLUME 3: NUMBER 2, 2008 sign a two-hour program that included activities such as a paper airplane throwing contest and

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2

Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2 Contents In the Zone Gaining Altitude Six to Go: Planning Projects Promise Increased Mobility Women's Development Forum On the Move in the Southeast Protecting the World's Future Making the Grade Coming to America A Dedication to Development Looking to the Skies Spotlight on People and Projects An Aviation Innovation

Legacy - Volume 3, Number 2

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.