LYNN, MA -- GE Aviation hosted a reception & BBQ to recognize 25 Lynn middle-school girls who participated in the inaugural GE Girls at MIT Summer Education Workshop. This GE-sponsored program is part of a renewed commitment to promote the STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) initiative to middle-school-age girls. Lynn School Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham plus leaders from MIT (Mass. Institute of Technology) and GE and students' parents attended the event.
During this week-long workshop, students were bused daily from GE to MIT where they interacted directly with faculty, graduate students and volunteer GE women. Themes were construction, programming, electronics, aviation and chemistry. Among the hands-on activities, the girls learned to program their own computer games, build cars and bicycles with LEGO bricks, build and launch rockets, demonstrate the science of airplanes, develop their own lip balm, model atoms and molecules, make flashlights, LED light displays and electronic patches, and build ice cream makers. There were also tours and guest speakers.
"This was a great opportunity for our students to see how classroom math and science translates into higher education, business and careers," commented Dr. Latham. "I'm sure this will be an experience they will never forget."
Interested sixth-grade students applied this spring and participants were selected by Lynn teachers and principals. Teachers also served as chaperones throughout the workshop. GE partnered with MIT's Edgerton Center and the Lemelson-MIT Program to develop the curriculum and its exercises, as well as organize the reception. GE female engineers will also invite students to shadow them for a day later this summer.
"Imagination at work is more than GE's slogan. We rely on innovation, and Aviation engineers are critical to our success," said GE-Lynn Area Executive Maria Deacon. "We're excited to see a recent increase in talented, female engineers at our plant. Maybe we can hire a few of these bright girls one day!"
MIT's Kim Vandiver, Dean for Undergraduate Research and Director of the Edgerton Center, added, 'We are pleased to have partnered with GE and the Lynn schools in the launch of this great effort, and we applaud such a collaboration that generates excitement around learning for our youth and highlights the endless possibilities driven by technology."
Gift bags featuring a commemorative bracelet and charm, tool set and safety glasses, t-shirt, water bottle and photo were given to participants at the ceremony.
About GE Aviation
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.
About The Edgerton Center
The Edgerton Center provides hands-on educational experiences for MIT undergraduates and area youth through various outreach programs. Carrying on the legacy of Institute Professor Harold E. Edgerton, the Center creates opportunities for students to engage in challenging activities and projects in engineering and science. Through invention and discovery, they are better able to master concepts too often presented only in theory through classroom lectures and problem sets and homework. http://web.mit.edu/edgerton