Engineers Week Emphasizes Significance of STEM Careers

Engineers Week (EWeek), celebrated February 19-25, 2023, is an industry holiday dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing the understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.
Eweek is celebrated annually during the week of February 22, in commemoration of George Washington’s birthday. Washington was a significant figure in the industry’s history as he is widely believed to be the United States’ first engineer. This industry holiday was founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), a professional association representing licensed professional engineers in the nation.
“So much of what an engineer does goes unnoticed, and, for the most part, that’s how we like it. Engineer’s Week, however, provides a much needed opportunity to highlight the importance of the engineer,” commented LIS President Patrick Smith.
During this holiday, emphasis is placed on building public awareness of the essential value of engineers to students, educators, legislators, and parents, including the role the industry plays in STEM. STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is an educational movement that integrates the disciplines in the classroom so that students may form a foundation for a future career.
Betsy Allison, Henry County’s Director of Career and Technical Education, stated, “The Henry County School System is proud to offer STEM education programs in all our schools. STEM classes provide a space for students to be creative and think outside of the box while utilizing technology, art, robotics, 3D printing and coding. Engineering design is a critical component to STEM, and we are excited to expand our partnership with LIS to include programs and activities highlighting engineering and technology career opportunities.”
L. I. Smith & Associates (LIS) employs professional engineers (PE), engineers in training (EIT), and technicians, all of whom specialize in civil engineering. LIS’ engineering team is currently comprised of Patrick Smith, PE, Larry Smith, PE, Nathan Grasfeder, EIT, Trevor Teague, EIT, Will Clark, EIT, Zech Rowley, Engineering Technician, and numerous technicians that assist with both engineering and land surveying projects.
“Our team is dedicated to assisting the Henry County School System, as well as local universities, with their STEM and Employability Counts initiatives. STEM education is essential to developing the future engineering workforce, and we are ready and willing to do our part,” stated LIS Marketing Coordinator Ashley Horn.
Internship opportunities are offered at LIS each summer at the collegiate and high school levels. Interns work directly under the mentorship of the EITs in a hands-on, team focused environment. Job shadowing is also available for those interested in STEM and the civil engineering industry but aren’t ready to complete an internship.
For more information about career or internship opportunities at LIS, contact Ashley Horn at careers@lismith.com.
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