Cohort Five, Emerging Leaders in Engineering, program pairs high school and college women as near-peer mentors and connects them with diverse professionals from STEM careers in Colorado and across the country, with a focus on engineering.

This fast-paced, hybrid program introduces high school and college women to engineering jobs, in an all-female cohort environment. Students will get hands-on laboratory experiences and meet female luminaries from all across the spectrum of STEM careers. Mentors lead high school participants through career and hands-on investigation activities while developing relationships to help support each other as they pursue their STEM goals.

Cohort Five, Emerging Leaders in Engineering, begins on April 15, 2023. Students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of programming (virtual or in-person) to receive a certificate of completion, pick and choose sessions that work for your schedule. 

This Program is Open To:

• College students: Student currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college
• High School students: Must have completed 9^th grade by June 2023
• Individuals who identify as female, cisgender, transgender, and non-binary
• Priority will be given to those from groups underrepresented in STEM careers, including Black, Latina, and Native American women, as well as military connected students.

What will you do in the Emerging Leaders Program?

• Meet strong women who are kicking butt and taking names in STEM fields
• Learn lab skills + techniques that will set you apart when applying to college and that first job
• Practice “soft skills” like making connections and public speaking, which are in super high demand in science jobs
• Learn about STEM careers, internships, and scholarships
• Build friendships with college and high school women who have similar interests
• Get a completion certificate to add to your college application or résumé

What will you get out of this program? Hear from our Cohort One participants on what they thought!

What to Expect as a Participant

The program consists of multiple events. Participants must complete a minimum of 15 hours to earn a completion certificate.

Bi-weekly virtual workshops (April 15 – June 10, 2023) (7.5 hours)

Virtual sessions will highlight keynote speakers from industry, research, and the Department of Defense and workshops to develop career readiness skills. Virtual sessions for all participants will be held Saturdays, 9:00AM- 10:30AM MT, via Zoom.

• Virtual sessions will be held on the following dates: April 15, April 29, May 13, June 3, June 10

Laboratory Course Refresher (1.5 hours)

An in-person laboratory session to help students prepare for the summer lab course by familiarizing them to the techniques used in electrical engineering including building and understanding circuits and using Ohms Law to build electronics This optional session is designed for students who want to participate in the summer course but have not had much experience in electrical engineering.

DATE and TIME: Saturday May 6: 9:30AM – 11:00AM MT

Location: TBD, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Laboratory Intensive Course: June 2023 (15 hours)

Located on the Keysight Technologies campus, this one week, in-person laboratory course will focus on building research and laboratory skills in engineering as well as introduce students to leading women in STEM working at Keysight Technologies. Students will be able to tour the Keysight Technologies facility and learn about engineering jobs located in their own community.

DATES and TIMES: In person session will be held Monday, June 26 – Friday, June 30, 2023 from 9:00AM- 12:00PM MT.

Location: Keysight Technologies Campus, Colorado Springs, Colorado

All participants are expected to:

• Actively participate in at least 15 hours to receive a certificate of completion
• Have their cameras on during virtual workshops
• Be on time for both virtual and in person sessions
• Complete homework assignments in a timely manner

College student (mentor) additional info:

• Mentors are required to attend virtual orientation.
• Mentors will receive a stipend of $500
  • Stipends will be split and received in the middle and at the end of the program
  • Mentors must meet 15 hours to receive a complete stipend
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to receive a stipend
  • Service hours available upon request

 High school participant info:

• To receive a certificate of completion participants must actively participate for at least 15 hours.
• Students must commit to having their camera on for all virtual small group sessions
• High school participants will receive a $200 travel stipend at the end of the program

Please feel free to contact program manager Dr. Benedetta Naglieri with any questions.