IEEE: Students Needed to Pursuing Engineering

By DE Editors

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE; Piscataway, NJ; www.ieee.org), recently partnered with the National Academy of Engineering (NAE; Washington, DC; www.nae.edu) to create a report entitled “Changing the Conversation,” and issued a call to action for the industry to come together to create a coordinated, multi-year campaign to deliver the message that engineers make a world of difference — focused especially on young people who don’t see engineering as a place where they can dream.

Prompted by IEEE reports of a decline in the numbers of students attracted to engineering and computer science — an alarming trend reaching to global proportions: Western Europe, Australia, Japan and even in India. The IEEE cites, as an example, a 2003 Harris poll conducted in the U.S. shows that only two percent of first-year university students (and less than one percent of young women) want to major in computer science.

These low numbers raise concerns among leaders of industry and policy makers who believe that a large and well-educated engineering workforce is essential to public welfare and technological progress. Indeed, the decline in engineering student numbers threatens the operation and growth of a large number of organizations and corporations around the globe. The focus of these organizations ranges from research and development and healthcare to manufacturing and advanced computing.

Education is the foundation of IEEE’s vision, as it serves to enlighten students on career options, and guides professionals on how to attract and retain talent. IEEE is committed to educating youth worldwide on the benefits and excitement of engineering-based careers, and to guide university students on engineering majors and careers.

For details, please visit The IEEE.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.