Girls learn about engineering during Lockheed Martin event

Lockheed Martin employees Laura Martel, left, and Vikki Washington assist students with a team-oriented engineering challenge project.

By: Bennie Scarton Jr. | InsideNova
Published: January 04, 2010

MANASSAS, Va. -- Lockheed Martin, Manassas, recently introduced 89 female students from 17 local high schools to the world of engineering during the firm's sixth annual "Women in Engineering Day" at its local facility.

During the daylong event, the 10th-grade students learned about the many exciting fields of engineering, including electrical, software, mechanical and ceramics; the growing job opportunities in engineering; and how many women are already enjoying successful careers as engineers.

They also talked with real engineers about "what it takes" to become an engineer and met peers who share common interests in math and science.

"This event is a great way to encourage young female students to pursue interests in math and science," said Elizabeth Palombo, a Lockheed Martin technical operations engineer and the company's high school team lead for the event. "It is incredibly rewarding to see so many of the students, who at the beginning of the day ask, 'What is engineering?', then leave at the end of the day excited about the possibility of studying the field."

Students participated in a hands-on, team-oriented engineering challenge project, which focused on dealing with requirements and constraints and sharing knowledge-all essential skills in engineering disciplines. In addition, the students participated in a tour of the facility during which they learned about the different types of engineering positions.

The students came from Osbourn High School, Osbourn Park High School, Liberty High School, Potomac Senior High School, Gar-Field Senior High School, Forest Park Senior High School, Seton School, Woodbridge Senior High School, Brentsville District High School, Battlefield High School, Freedom High School, C. D. Hylton High School, Loudoun County High School, Heritage High School, Manassas Park High School, Potomac Falls High School and Stonewall Jackson High School.