Source: Susan Arnold Christian, 785-532-6152, suarnold@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.k-state.edu/excite/
News release prepared by: Mary Rankin, 785-532-6715, mrankin@k-state.edu

Monday, March 9, 2009

SHADOW DAY AT K-STATE DESIGNED TO SPUR YOUNG WOMEN'S INTEREST IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

MANHATTAN -- Girls in the 10th to 12th grades from across the state will pair up with Kansas State University female science, technology, engineering or mathematics students for Shadow Day, Tuesday, March 31.

High school participants, teamed with K-State student mentors, will attend class, tour campus, eat lunch at the K-State Student Union, participate in the workshop "Choosing a College Major that Is Right for YOU" and experience life as a college student for the day.

The event is hosted by K-State's EXCITE! Program, which stands for EXploring sCIence, Technology and Engineering. The program is designed to excite young women about pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields. EXCITE! is sponsored by the Women in Engineering and Science Program and the Targeted Excellence program at K-State.

"Shadow Day was such an enjoyable experience," said Katie Kerr, a previous attendee. "It gave me an example of a realistic day of college life, ideas of what the class sizes would be and let me know if I would enjoy the major I was shadowing. I made good contacts with both college students and professors."

Registration is now open for Shadow Day. Girls can sign up to come on their own or with a group from their school. Registration information is available online at http://www.k-state.edu/excite/upcoming_events.htm or by calling the Women in Engineering and Science Program office at 785-532-3395. Cost for the event is $10 and includes lunch.