Involved parents can have a positive impact on their children and their schooling. The Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering is making a greater effort to involve Native American students in engineering, and here are some of the ways that parents or guardians can help. Encourage your child to value education and to do well in school. Explain to them the value of a college degree in improving their own lives and the quality of life in your community. Get your child involved in educational outreach programs whenever possible.
Involve your child in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields by introducing their schools to the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Native American student outreach program. This program comes from Oglala Lakota College, South Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Pre-Engineering Education Collaborative (OSSPEEC), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This particular outreach program is driven by engineering students who work with 6th through 11th grades in applicable schools by integrating their regular courses with Engineering opportunities and assistance. If you believe your child’s school would be interested, please have them contact Dr. Joanita Kant for more information.
Students can attend multiple engineering-related camps throughout the summer on the SDSU campus, and most K-12 schools on reservations offer financial assistance for interested students. Camps allow students to explore different types of engineering, to gain a better understanding of STEM concepts, to get hands-on experience, to earn college credit if applicable, and to meet other students with similar interests.