March 7, 2010

  • Members of the Diversity Ambassadors and students at Bethany Christian Academy
  • Diversity Ambassador Jared Roussel, a Sophomore in Mechanical Engineering, explains to a group of students at Bethany Christian Academy what Mechanical Engineers are responsible for, as well as why he chose to study engineering
  • Diversity Ambassador Charlaya Washington, a Junior in Electrical Engineering, works with a student at Bethany Christian Academy to determine the value of a resistor

The Diversity Ambassadors are comprised of students from several different engineering disciplines, but more importantly, from diverse backgrounds. It is the diversity in the group that allows the students to be successful in their efforts to increase awareness and recruit underrepresented students into engineering.

The mission of the Diversity Ambassadors is to:

  • Increase diversity in engineering
  • Increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and math related fields
  • Positively serve and impact the community
  • Provide positive role models for minority and female K-12 students

In an effort to decrease Louisiana's high school dropout rates, through engineering awareness, the Diversity Ambassadors encourage K - 12 school students to become engineers by visiting schools in the Baton Rouge community. Diversity Ambassadors serve as role models, mentors, and tutors while conducting engineering demonstrations, hands-on activities and discipline talks.

So far, the Diversity Ambassadors have held discipline talks at Scotlandville Magnet and Bethany Christian Academy. During both visits, the Diversity Ambassadors provided the audience with information about the various fields of engineering, while also answering questions about college entrance exams, scholarships, and the college experience. In the upcoming weeks, the Diversity Ambassadors are scheduled to conduct engineering demonstrations at Istrouma High School, and scheduled to return to Bethany Christian Academy for a second visit.

The positive impact provided by the Diversity Ambassadors does not only apply to K-12 students, it also applies to its members. The members earn valuable experience that will help them in their professional and leadership development, as well as, their future engineering careers.

Gilbert Guerrero, an industrial engineering junior, says, "My affiliation with the Diversity Ambassadors allows me the opportunity to share my knowledge of engineering and helps me cultivate the necessary skills that I need to succeed in a professional work environment. This experience assists me in enhancing my teamwork, leadership, and communication skills; all of which are vital to being successful."

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Article by Akilah Taylor, LSU College of Engineering Development & Faculty Programs, 225.578.0092, ataylor1@lsu.edu

 



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