K-12 Outreach
Related News Archive: 2018
Fountain Valley High School Career Fair
On Wednesday, October 24th ASCE OC-YMF was invited to attend the Fountain Valley High School career fair. Members from OC YMF had the opportunity to present, educate and inspire students about the profession of civil engineering. They explained the process of obtaining a civil engineering degree, as well as the importance of involvement with ASCE at the college and post college level. Most importantly, they encouraged them to pursue higher education regardless of profession. More »
Celebrating in new, exciting and innovative ways!
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” - Socrates The last month has been filled with new, exciting and innovative ways of celebrating our industry, members, history and potential as civil engineers! Here are some highlights that I hope will inspire you as much as they have me. More »
2018 Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition
OC K-12 had a great time volunteering and supporting LA YMF with 2018 Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition (PSBC). More »
New Fiscal Year!
Only a few days into our new roles, and already we have tons to share!! Check out the latest news regarding the ASCE Presidents and Governors Forum (PGF), ASCE California Surface Transportation Report Card Release, ASCE Los Angeles Section Annual Meeting, Installation of Officers & Awards Luncheon, ASCE Committee on Younger Members, ASCE International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure,... More »
Graying the Lines
It is amazing how quickly this year has gone. I want to sincerely thank all of you, especially those who supported our committees and institutes by planning, executing, and enjoying the amazing events we had this year. You made serving as Branch President as smooth as I could have ever imagined. You also made it very rewarding. More »
Engineers Represent at Russell Elementary Career Day
When you were in 6th grade, what did you want to be when you grew up? A pilot? A nurse? An athlete? Few people answer “a Civil Engineer.” To make students aware of engineering as a career option, we presented to five 5th and 6th grade classes at Russell Elementary’s first annual Career Day. More »
"Doing Politics" is Good for Your Career
I’ve said it, and I’ve heard many of my peers - “I don’t do politics”. I was younger then, and I had different priorities. I’m not saying they were the right priorities, but as a younger adult, I didn’t see the benefit of researching each candidate for every office listed on an upcoming ballot, never mind every bill and proposition. More »
Castille Elementary School Demonstration
By: Brad Dybel The Orange County Branch dazzled 90 second graders and their teachers on the exciting world of civil engineering in an encore classroom visit to Castille Elementary School in Mission Viejo on April 27, 2018. More »
Dream Big Event
By: Victor Aguirre On May 19, 2018 the ASCE OC YMF K-12 Outreach Committee hosted an educational showing of the movie Dream Big: Engineering Our World at the Frida Cinema located in Downtown Santa Ana. Students ranging from elementary to high school including their parents were encouraged to attend the event for free. More »
The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
By Jeff Braun, P.E. I know this is an over-used saying, and it makes me sounds like everyone’s grandfather, but I am sincerely impressed with, and thankful for, the Orange County Branch’s culture and organizational systems that make leading such a great organization very rewarding … and probably easier than some may think. More »
Perry Elementary STEM Night
By Jenny Mital, P.E. On March 15, K-12 committee members Crystal Mena and Jenny Mital volunteered at Perry Elementary School Science and Engineering Night in Huntington Beach. The annual science night consisted of booths with science and engineering activities ranging from biomedical to engineering, and was attended by over 100 students and parents. More »
Soft Doesn't Mean Easy
By Jeff Braun, P.E. Engineering involves math and science, right? Long enough ago that I don’t want to say how long ago it was, I was a high school student who enjoyed my physics and math classes more than the history and literature readings. I loved tinkering with mechanical toys and seeing how they worked, checking out bridges and buildings to see what kept them from falling down. I loved my drafting class, where I was able to create plans for a house I may want someday. More »
Starting Off Strong in 2018
By Isamar Escobar, E.I.T., ASCE’s K-12 Committee has started off the year in high gear. We have had several events through February and have many more planned for the rest of the year. Find out what we've been up to and how you can get invovled to help make a difference in young childrens' lives! More »
Do You Believe in Luck?
By Jeff Braun, P.E. I had the opportunity to participate as part of industry panels for two of our Branch’s student chapters over the past couple of weeks, where we discussed how students can best position themselves for internships and career opportunities. We discussed job search resources, developing a personal brand, networking, resume hints, and interviewing skills. I was very impressed with the honesty students showed when sharing concerns and fears, and their motivation to invest the time and effort to best position themselves for their career. The conversations between the attendees and panel members were inspiring, and led me to think back to my job search experiences. I recall one of the interviews involved writing a short one-page response to a comment/question of my choosing from a list of options. One of the questions jumped out to me right away: “Do you believe in Luck?” More »
Professional Development is NOT Optional
By Jeff Braun, P.E. As Civil Engineers, we are members of a profession, not a “job” or a “trade”. As such, we are held to a higher standard by society and our peers. As with other professions, such as doctors, teachers, and architects, engineers are expected to maintain their level of expertise and keep up with the latest state of the practice through continued learning and professional development. It is too easy to get lost in the weeds of the daily grind, focusing on publishing the next deliverable. Before you know it, you’re ten years down the road and you aren’t aware of the latest research, software, or modeling methods; putting you at a significant disadvantage to others in the industry. More »
