Skip to main content

Pathways into Engineering

In progress

Pathways into Engineering is the National Academy of Engineering’s center for youth outreach. Our programs inform, inspire, and provide opportunities for K–12 students - and the caregivers, educators, and communities who support them - to explore engineering and its impact on society.

Building on the longstanding EngineerGirl initiative, Pathways programming is delivered through both the EngineerGirl and EngineerTeen platforms. Core programs include Ask an Engineer, youth Engineering Ambassadors, and an annual writing contest, all designed to broaden participation and encourage students to consider engineering degrees and careers.

Open until April 1, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Call for Experts
We invite you to submit suggestions for experts to participate in this activity.

Description

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) advances the well-being of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession. A central component of this mission is sustained engagement with youth to broaden participation in societal decision making around technology, generate more creative solutions to complex challenges, and foster a representative and resilient engineering workforce.

Through its Pathways into Engineering programs, building on the longstanding EngineerGirl initiative, the NAE informs, inspires, and provides meaningful opportunities for under-reached youth, with a particular focus on grades K–12. These programs are designed to expand awareness of engineering, highlight its societal impact, and encourage young people to consider the rewards of an engineering education and career.

The Steering Committee oversees the NAE’s suite of youth programs, guiding both established and emerging initiatives and advising the NAE on strategic opportunities to strengthen and sustain its mission of youth outreach and engagement in engineering.

Contributors

Committee

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Stephanie Lynn H. Zeiger

Member

Co-Chair

Co-Chair

Madison Miller

Ex Officio Member

Sponsors

Internal Funding

Staff

Simil L Raghavan

Lead

Mary Mathias

Lead

Major units and sub-units

National Academy of Engineering Office of Programs

Lead

Subscribe to Email from the National Academies
Keep up with all of the activities, publications, and events by subscribing to free updates by email.