What Is Invent It. Build It.?
SWE is excited to bring our annual half-day student program, Invent It. Build It. (IIBI) — to New Orleans!
One of the primary goals of SWE’s outreach activities is to expose students to STEM and increase their awareness of what an engineer is. IIBI is an event that encourages students to learn about engineering and pursue careers in the industry. The program offers hands-on engineering experiences for pre-college students, while parents and educators learn about engineering careers, scholarships, and resources. Through events like IIBI, SWE aims to help increase students’ confidence in engineering-related skills. This program is open to students of all genders. With the mission to develop STEM identity in students from historically under-resourced areas, SWE sets out to change the image of “what an engineer looks like” and inspire the next generation of STEM stars.
Registration is Closed. There will not be onsite registation.
Stay up to date on all things engineering through our FREE pre-college programs and join the SWENext community! Adults supporting STEM stars can sign up for our Adult Advocate Mailing List.
Thank You to Our Sponsor!
Schedule:
Saturday, October 25, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd. | New Orleans, LA 70130
- 8:30 a.m. Doors open
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Role Model Mixer & Breakfast
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Students: Hands-On Learning Activities, Adults: Engineering Panel Discussion
- 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Attendee Reunification & Dismissal
Why Attend Invent It. Build It.?
Studies have shown that girls perform at similar levels as their male counterparts, but their confidence and interest in engineering and math decline between 11-13 years old. Why? A lack of support, resources, and programming designed to encourage their interest in STEM. The Invent It. Build It. (IIBI) program was created as a solution to this problem.
IIBI aims to build pre-college students’ confidence and interest in STEM by combining creativity, innovation, and exploration through engaging in hands-on activities and learning firsthand from SWE members and their peers. This is achieved through a four-pronged approach:
Role Model Mixer
Check out engineering and STEM outreach demos; learn about SWENext, our free membership for pre-college students; and get to know SWE’s network of role model engineers.
Level 1 Program: STEM Exploring (Ages 10-13)
Get ready to get your hands dirty! Discover your STEM identity and level up your exploration of engineering and technology by expressing your creative and innovative sides. Participants will have an opportunity to engage and work with peers and real engineers through hands-on engineering activities that focus on an engineering discipline, skill-building, teamwork, and ingenuity.
Sponsored by:
Level 2 Program: STEM Engaged (Ages 14-18)
Step into the next level of your STEM journey! Engaged in STEM opportunities in your local community? Join this program for an elevated experience, putting problem-solving skills and engineering knowledge to work! Engage with real engineers and your peers in more challenging hands-on activities focused on an engineering discipline, skill-building, teamwork, and ingenuity.
Sponsored by:
Parent & STEM Advocate Program — Learn Best Practices as Advocates
Parents and educators play a crucial role in girls’ success in pursuing an engineering career. At this event, SWE highlights this village of support by providing resources to better advocate for girls in STEM. Parents/guardians and STEM advocates, such as teachers, counselors, and administrators, are encouraged to learn more from a panel of industry professionals and SWE member experts about engineering career options, scholarships, college admissions, and available resources to prepare students for college.
Attendees will not only participate in STEM learning and engagement but will also receive the following:
- Enjoy a networking breakfast with SWE members and industry professionals.
- Work on hands-on engineering activities.
- Meet students, STEM advocates, SWE members, and engineers in the local community that you can continue engaging with after the event.
- Participate in conversations with SWE members from around the world and learn how to navigate a career in a male-dominated field.
- Receive information about how to select the right college, where to find scholarships, and how to be a successful engineer.
- Get fun swag and other goodies!
In accordance with SWE’s Youth Protection Policy, all pre-college attendees under age 18 will need to be signed in and out of the event, so please plan accordingly for this process to ensure the safety of minors.
SWE has more opportunities available for students interested in STEM. Join SWENext to gain access to various programs, mentors, and resources designed to develop leadership skills and self-confidence to #BeThatEngineer. Although SWENext focuses on girls, all students are encouraged to get involved and join this incredible program. Are you an adult advocate or educator? Find out ways you can participate and provide support by joining the community.
Questions? outreach@swe.org.
