Engineers of all ages collaborate to REAACH the younger generation
By Angelique Rewers
When it comes to kids and their dream jobs, engineering is nowhere to be found on the radar screen. A 2009 survey conducted by Harris Interactive® for the American Society for Quality found that 85 percent of children questioned between the ages 8 and 17 said they aren’t interested in engineering. A separate survey by KRC research revealed that 84 percent of children would rather clean their room, eat their vegetables, go to the dentist or take out the garbage than do their math homework.
For the United States, a world leader in technological innovation, these statistics are especially distressing since the country’s future prosperity and security depend on the availability of qualified engineers. In response, businesses like Northrop Grumman are taking an active role in getting today’s young people excited about engineering
by helping them understand what it is and how life-changing an engineering career can be.
In August 2008, the Electronic Systems sector added a new program to its portfolio of engineering-focused volunteer efforts with the launch of Retirees and Engineers for Academic Achievement. Called REAACH for short, the program is the sector's first to provide an opportunity for both active and retired engineers to participate.
In collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education and Project Lead the Way (PLTW), the REAACH program pairs experienced Northrop Grumman engineers with middle and high school math and science teachers.
Volunteers have the opportunity to work behind-the-scenes with teachers helping them incorporate "real-world" engineering examples into their curriculum. They also work directly with students by assisting with hands-on learning activities, answering questions and sharing personal career experiences.
For Gary Hayes, a program manager at Electronic Systems, the REAACH program is his way of fulfilling his passion for teaching. "All of my 24 years of experience lends itself to this program," said Hayes, who has been a REAACH volunteer since the program started.
Last year, Hayes assisted with an Introduction to Engineering Design class at Westminster High's Carroll County Career & Technology Center in which the students were asked to design a monarch caterpillar enclosure that would be used by kindergarten classes.
"This was a real project with detailed requirements, just like in the workplace," he said.
Hayes helped the students think like engineers by having them answer ques tions that would determine the success of their project.
"One group came up with a beautiful enclosure design,but it couldn’t be torn down — and that was one of the customer’s key requirements," explained Hayes. "I then talked with the group and told them not to be afraid to stop, regroup and start over."
The benefit of having this type of expertise and insight in the classroom is something teachers appreciate.
"The REAACH program has provided our students with an opportunity to interact with an engineering professional from industry, helping to bring the engineering design process, product life-cycle and work experience to life," said James
Matalavage, the PLTW teacher with whom Hayes was paired at the Carroll County Career & Technology Center.
"One of the most unique experiences for my students was to have their designs analyzed and critiqued by REAACH. The interaction between the students and REAACH was something that couldn’t be simulated through the normal school curriculum and something they’ll always remember."
Hayes adds that some of the projects are very challenging, and it’s important to give students encouragement.
"When I’m working in the classroom, I like to drive home the point that in engineering you must have persistence and determination," he said. "You can’t be afraid to fail because many engineering failures have resulted in astounding advancements."
Another volunteer in the REAACH program is Steve Konsowski, who retired from Electronic Systems in 1995. Today, Konsowski works as a contractor in the sector’s Human Resources department where he assists recruiters with tasks such as evaluating potential engineering hires in order to match them with the right position. Since starting with the REAACH program last October, Konsowski has been working with Meade High School at Fort Meade Army base in Maryland.
"I help to extend the teacher's capabilities by bringing an engineering and industry standpoint into the picture," said Konsowski. His goal, he says, is to complement what the teacher is doing while sparking an interest in the minds of the students.
"As I walk around the classroom and talk to the students," said Konsowski, "I see where their hang-ups are and what challenges they’re having and I try to help them with solving the problem."
Konsowski also said he supplements in the areas where the teacher may not have such a strong background. "My physics background, coupled with my years of experience, can help bridge that gap."
Both Hayes and Konsowski plan to continue to support REAACH and encourage other current and retired engineers to volunteer. "REAACH is an opportunity to give kids the tools to unleash their dreams," said Konsowski. "There’s nothing better than seeing the light bulb go on in a student’s head and knowing they’ve moved from merely memorizing information to truly understanding it. From there, the possibilities are endless."
Contact Information:
Visit http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/community/reaach for more information