At e4usa, our mission to make engineering accessible for all depends on the incredible work of our liaisons. Each e4usa teacher is paired with a professional from the engineering industry or academia who brings their real-world experience directly into the classroom, enriching students’ understanding of engineering concepts in a hands-on, engaging way. For engineers, serving as a liaison is a unique opportunity to give back, inspire the next generation, and make a lasting impact on students’ lives and the future of engineering education.
Liaisons commit around three hours per month to support teachers and students, though the level of involvement can vary based on classroom needs, especially during project-heavy periods in the spring semester. From classroom visits to project feedback, these professionals become invaluable resources, fostering a connection between education, research, and industry that benefits students and teachers alike.
Engaging with Students: Liaison Activities
Liaisons participate in a wide variety of activities that bring engineering to life for students:
- Classroom Visits: Sharing personal experiences and expertise, liaisons show students what a career in engineering truly entails.
- Host Site Visits: Inviting teachers and students to their workplace provides a firsthand look at engineering in action.
- Project Feedback: Liaisons review and provide constructive feedback on student design projects, helping students improve and think critically.
- Collaborate with Colleagues: Many liaisons involve colleagues to offer additional specialized insights on student projects.
- Design Problem Development: Working with teachers, liaisons help shape effective design challenges that align with the e4usa curriculum.
- Event Participation: Liaisons often judge student projects at events like the “Design-a-Thon” or “Engineering Design Showcase.”
- Expanding Connections: Liaisons can connect e4usa to their own networks and corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting engineering education on a broader scale.
Monthly Support and Community
We understand the importance of ongoing support for our liaisons. To foster a collaborative environment, e4usa offers:
- Optional Office Hours: Monthly office hours with our Executive Director, Stacy Klein-Gardner, provide a space for liaisons to discuss their experiences and seek guidance.
- Curriculum Updates: Regular email updates keep liaisons informed about new curriculum activities and classroom happenings.
- Customized Collaboration: Liaisons and teachers work together to determine the best approach to meet the needs of each classroom, creating a tailored and supportive partnership.
Your Role and Expectations
As a liaison, your role is crucial in helping students understand how engineering impacts their world. Responsibilities include:
- Participating in Professional Development (PD): PD sessions help liaisons familiarize themselves with e4usa’s curriculum and teacher support strategies.
- Offering Expertise: Liaisons share design problems and mentor teachers to enhance the learning experience.
- Engaging in the Classroom: A monthly classroom visit allows liaisons to connect directly with students and support their engineering projects.
What Our Liaisons Are Saying
“Acting as an industry liaison with e4usa has been a rewarding opportunity for me to reconnect with my passion for STEM education, especially supporting students from historically marginalized communities. An introduction to engineering during my high school years solidified my own confidence and interest in majoring in engineering. Now, I have the chance to influence others in the same way. It’s also been rewarding to involve other engineers at my company, who have also taken on liaison roles. The program is extremely organized and well-run—I highly recommend it for industry professionals, teachers, and students!”
— Meghan Houghton
“This is my third year serving as a liaison for e4usa, but it feels like I just started yesterday. The support structure and network provided by the e4usa leadership team make the liaison role easy to manage, while also very fulfilling. It’s so rewarding to help students see what engineering is all about and guide them as they take their first steps into the field.”
— Hosam K. Fathy
Interested in Partnering with Us?
If you’d like to make a meaningful impact as an e4usa liaison, reach out to us at info@e4usa.org to learn more. Join us in inspiring future engineers and strengthening the link between classrooms and careers in engineering.