September 17, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - High school and community college students interested in a future in engineering, the fourth highest paying U.S. career with an average annual salary of $112,000, according to a report by CareerBuilder.com, are invited, along with their families, to the annual UAB School of Engineering Open House scheduled to begin Sunday, September 21, 2008, at 1075 13th Street South, just west of the Alys Stephens Center.

On Sunday, prospective college students, their families and the general public are invited to tour School of Engineering facilities, learn about a variety of engineering disciplines and careers, meet faculty and current UAB students, and learn about enrollment, scholarships, internships and financial aid opportunities.  On Monday, Sept. 22, and Tuesday, Sept. 23, approximately 800 middle and high school students and teachers from 17 Central Alabama schools will participate in the open house activities.

Demonstrations of activities made possible by engineering will be performed by some of UAB's 1,044 engineering students, including melting a penny in the palm of someone's hand with just a blanket for protection and shattering balls designed for bouncing like pieces of glass.

The Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007 highlighted the growing need for engineers to meet the difficulties presented by the country's aging infrastructure.  Many of the bridges and interstates in the United States are more than 50 years old.  The overwhelming challenge to shore up the nation's safety is part of the reason why The National Science Foundation estimates there will be 2.2 million jobs available in the U.S. for graduates with degrees in science and engineering by 2010, a growth rate three times that of any other occupation.  UAB offers degrees in a range of engineering disciplines, including biomedical, civil, electrical, materials and mechanical.