SWUTC Research Project Description
Title of Project: Partnering with AVID to Create Transportation Scholars
Project Number: 169115
Principal Investigator:
Debbie Jasek
(979) 845-7596
P.I. Affiliation: Texas A&M University
d-jasek@tamu.edu
Melisa Finley
(979)845-5239
P.I. Affiliation: Texas A&M University
m-finley@tamu.edu
Project Monitor:
Dr. Judy Perkins
Prairie View A&M University
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
P. O. Box 519, MS #2510
Prairie View, Texas 77446-4249
Voice: (936) 261-1665
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/08
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/09
Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal: $40,000
Estimated Cost - Total Planned: $40,000
Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
The transportation engineering profession, like every other profession that relies heavily on the engineering, technology and science fields, faces a challenging future. Recent studies by the National Science Board reported a troubling decline in the number of U.S. citizens that are training to become scientists and engineers. The study showed that while more than half of the science and engineering degree holders are age 40 or older, the number of students entering college degree programs in these disciplines have declined. One opportunity to stimulate student awareness in transportation careers and employment opportunities is creating partnerships with existing programs that target students with interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). One such program is Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). AVID is an in-school academic support program for grades 5-12 that prepares students for college eligibility and success. AVID places academically average students in advanced classes. It levels the playing field for minority, rural, low-income and other students without a college-going tradition in their families. The focal point for AVID is an elective class, held during the regular school day, where they receive the academic and motivational support to succeed.
This study proposes to develop a one day workshop and event for students and student groups grade levels 5 through 12 that offers an opportunity to gain hands on experience and insight into what transportation, engineering, and technology careers have to offer. This event would utilize a two pronged approach, first engineers and transportation professionals will go into the class room to introduce transportation concepts during the AVID class. The second part would be a field trip for AVID students to either a college campus or other transportation careers related location. The event will provide experiences to encourage interests in engineering, science, and math. It will also offer exposure and mentoring from role models that currently work in the transportation fields. By providing a venue that allows students to recognize their interests in math and have an early successful experience, two of the crucial factors to encourage careers in technology and engineering are fulfilled. This event will be designed in a format so that it could be used as a prototype by any college or university or professional organization.
Project Objectives:
The team proposes to develop a one day workshop and event for students and student groups grade levels 5 through 12 that offers an opportunity to gain hands on experience and insight into what transportation, engineering, and technology careers have to offer. This event would utilize a two pronged approach. First, engineers and transportation professionals will go into the class room to introduce transportation concepts during the AVID elective class. The second part would be a field trip for AVID students to either a college campus or other transportation careers related location. The event will provide experiences to encourage interests in engineering, science, and math. It will also offer exposure and mentoring from role models that currently work in the transportation fields. By providing a venue that allows students to recognize their interests in math and have an early successful experience, two of the crucial factors to encourage careers in technology and engineering are fulfilled. This event will be designed in a format so that it could be used as a prototype by any college or university or professional organization.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1: Develop an Informational File on Possible Sites and Select Sites
It is envisioned that the class room portion of the event will be held at 2 to 3 locations around the region with the assistance of AVID school districts. Possible candidate locations within two hours of Bryan/College Station that have AVID programs include: Belton, Bryan, Cameron, College Station, Copperas Cove, Cypress Fairbanks, Huntsville, Killeen, and Waco. Information will be gathered on these sites and other possible host sites. The list of possible sites will be ranked and initial contact will be made according to ranking; support for the event will be documented. If for some reason the highest ranked site for an event is not interested or there is conflict with other program, an alternative site will be selected. The final sites will then be selected and an internal plan and budget will be developed for each site.
Task 2: Develop Prototype Program and Activities
As discussed previously, the proposed event would utilize a two pronged approach. First, engineers and transportation professionals will go into the class room to introduce transportation concepts during the AVID elective class. The second part would be a field trip for AVID students to either a college campus or other transportation careers related location. During this task, the research team will develop the modules and activities for the class room portion of the event. Alternate modules will also be included to account for differences in the targeted age group. The research team will also identify potential field trip locations and contact the potential locations to determine their interest in hosting the AVID students.
Task 3: Develop Local Sponsorships for Expenses
There may be some expenses involved with the event that must be funded by means other than the SWUTC proposal such as lunches, snacks, t-shirts, and goody bags for the program attendees. Local sponsorships will be sought to defray as much cost as possible from the attendees. Additionally local sponsorship will create an “ownership” of the event that will greatly increase the possibility of future such events in the area.
Task 4: Customize the Prototype Program for Each Site
For each site, the research team will finalize the class room modules and activities based upon the age group targeted. In addition, for each site the research team will finalize the field trip location and develop a field trip agenda. All other coordination issues (e.g., food, transportation, supplies, etc.) will also be finalized during this task.
Task 5: Conduct the Events
The events will be conducted in the spring of 2009 at each of the selected sites. As a part of these events evaluations will be collected from students, on-site officials, and team members.
Task 6: Evaluate Program
After the events are held, feedback will be obtained and an analysis of the evaluation data will be conducted. In addition, after action meetings for each site and for research teams will be conducted. An in-depth evaluation of each event will be made, as well as a composite cost analysis.
Task 7: Compose and Submit Final Report
A final report and recommendations regarding future AVID events will be written and submitted.
Index Terms:
Transportation engineering, Technological innovations, Personnel, Personnel development, Training, Scientists, Engineers, College students, Partnerships, Research projects