TCEP 257: How to Lead a Successful STEM Outreach Program: Tips and Strategies

In this episode, I talk with Danielle Schroeder, P.E., ENV SP, transportation staff engineer at Gannett Fleming and student outreach director for WTS Philadelphia, about her passion for STEM outreach. She emphasizes the importance of inspiring the next generation of engineers and highlights the various formats of STEM outreach events, including classroom visits and tabling activities. Danielle also provides hands-on activities and resources and shares her experiences in STEM outreach.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Danielle:

What motivated you to take your first step into STEM outreach, and what inspired your involvement in this field?

What achievements and progress have you made in the field of STEM?

Can you discuss the significance of being proficient in STEM and sharing knowledge about it, especially for younger individuals who might have an interest in these fields?

Do engineers often overlook promoting the importance of their work, and is STEM outreach a way to showcase the value of engineering?

Can you share examples of diverse STEM outreach events you've come across and explain how they cater to various audiences?

How many STEM or outreach events do you typically participate in each year?

What characteristics do you believe contribute to making a STEM outreach event notably successful and memorable?

Can you provide innovative ideas, tools, or resources that have proven to be effective in hands-on STEM outreach activities?

How do you typically reach out to schools and events to establish connections?

Is there a specific moment or event in your STEM outreach journey that holds special significance for you?

What is the role of the student outreach director at WTS Philadelphia?

Could you provide additional details about your experience with the Princess with Power Tools calendar?

What advice do you have for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in STEM outreach?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Lead a Successful STEM Outreach Program:

Danielle joined the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to lead volunteering programs, including classroom visits and community service. Motivated by her realization of the importance of early engineering exposure, Danielle aims to inspire others and bridge the awareness gap in engineering careers.

Danielle leads STEM outreach for WTS Philadelphia and previously managed K-12 programs for ASCE Philadelphia. Since March 2020, she's been giving virtual talks worldwide, sharing the excitement of STEM and her experiences as a civil engineer.

By encouraging STEM majors to connect with students, the goal is to break the "you can't be what you can't see" barrier by showcasing civil engineering as a viable career during classroom visits and tabling events. This is crucial due to the shortage of civil engineers needed for infrastructure projects.

Engaging in STEM outreach events goes beyond inspiring future civil engineers. The aim is to impart the importance of civil engineering, making students aware of the role it plays in everyday comforts like bridges and clean water. Even if they choose different careers, the goal is for them to appreciate the crucial work in maintaining and improving infrastructure.

In-person STEM outreach has two main formats: classroom visits with a brief presentation and hands-on activities, like the slender tower challenge, and tabling activities at science museums, featuring quick challenges such as the foil boat test. Both inspire students and educate adults about the significance of civil engineering.

Danielle has been part of 20 to 30 outreach events,