The University of Akron established the Women in Engineering Program in 1993 to recruit more women into engineering disciplines by providing the tools and resources students need to successfully complete their degrees. The University of Akron is very committed to encouraging all students with intellectual capability and an interest in mathematics and science to pursue their dreams, attend college, and productively contribute to an increasingly technological society. The Women in Engineering Program is committed to increasing the quality and quantity of well-educated engineers in the workforce. Funded by The College of Engineering and the Joan and James O. Rhodes Endowment, our program provides several projects designed to both recruit and retain female students.

To view these priceless treasures, please click here: Kids Career Day Photos!.

Vision:
The Women in Engineering Program at The University of Akron will be recognized by potential students and employers as a national leader for women in engineering.

Summer Engineering Camp for Girls
The Women in Engineering Program, in conjunction with the College of Engineering, invites middle and high school girls from Summit and surrounding counties interested in engineering, math, or science to participate in hands-on activities and field trips geared towards increasing their knowledge of and interest in engineering. To see pictures from last year's programs, visit our scrapbook!

Women in Engineering Seminar & Peer Group Discussion
Every Fall Semester, in addition to the regular freshman Tool's for Engineering courses, there is an option to take the Women in Engineering Seminar.

Peer Sponsoring
The peer sponsors program provides each freshman or sophomore participant with an upperclassman in the same discipline to whom a freshman or sophomore can turn to 24/7 for advice about the University in the first years of college. The sponsors share their knowledge about the University and their experiences in the College of Engineering with their students.

Professional Mentoring
The Professional Mentoring Project provides students with access to the professional community, eases their transitions from school to work, and provides personal and career guidance. Students are paired with practicing engineers who act as role models and provide support for the students on a one-to-one basis. We provide a number of activities throughout the academic year to support the mentor-student relationship. Each month we organize a lecture or corporate tour where students can take a closer look at the activities of professional engineers. This project also provides women in industry with a network of their peers.

Scholarships
Financial support is an important component of the success of our students.  Many students work and pay some or all of their way through college.  Through the generous contributions from friends and alumni, the Women in Engineering currently awards the following scholarships:

Donovan Scholarship - two selected annually
HMK Scholarship - one selected annually
KS Associates Scholarship - one selected annually
Regency Construction Scholarship - one selected annually
Margaret Taber Scholarship - one selected annually
Turner Construction Scholarship - one selected annually

Living and Learning Community
The College of Engineering, in conjunction with residence housing, has established a Living and Learning Community located in on-campus housing. This community was developed to bring those students who have similar interests together so that they can share campus experiences, develop study groups and most importantly share scholastic support. The students and the Resident Assistant (RA) are all female engineering students.

The Women in Engineering Program needs your support to make our services possible.  Take a look at our marketing brochure to see the many ways corporations and individuals can get involved.