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News Release

October 12, 2005

U of G Hosts Engineering Event for Girls

The University of Guelph is one of 13 Ontario universities hosting a free one-day event geared to girls in grades 7 to 10 and their parents, showcasing career opportunities in the field of engineering. Called Go ENG Girl, it runs Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 1200 of the Thornbrough Building, with sign-in beginning at 9:30 a.m. Participants must pre-register by Oct. 14 at 2 p.m.

An initiative of the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering and supported by the Council of Ontario Deans of Engineering, the program aims to enhance young women’s interest in the field of engineering and encourage enrolment in engineering programs at the post-secondary level.

Currently, women represent just 20 per cent of first-year engineering classes in Ontario, down from almost 30 per cent five years ago, something that is of great concern, said U of G engineering professor Michele Oliver.

"We want young women to visualize themselves becoming part of this exciting area of study," said Oliver. "This continues to be an area that girls aren't tapping into when thinking of career aspirations, and it's important that they see first-hand that there are women finding success and personal satisfaction in engineering."

Participants will meet female engineers and engineering students, learn about their experiences and take part in hands-on activities, including developing a water purification system and creating a robotic arm.

Presentations will be given by a variety of organizations, including Engineers Without Borders, which enables young engineers to help people in developing nations gain access to technology, and Women in Engineering and Science, which promotes and supports women in science, engineering and technology.

More information and pre-registration details for Go ENG Girl