The Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program (HESOP) is a comprehensive initiative designed to foster a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) among high school students. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship opportunities, and groundbreaking research projects, HESOP provides a gateway for young minds to explore the transformative power of engineering.
A Gateway to STEM Education
According to the National Science Board, only 24% of U.S. high school graduates are proficient in science and engineering. HESOP aims to bridge this gap by offering a range of programs tailored to high school students of all backgrounds and interests.
Programs That Ignite Curiosity
Cornell Engineering Summer Institute
- Provides hands-on exposure to cutting-edge engineering concepts
- Offers residential and non-residential options for students in grades 9-12
Cornell Engineering Mentoring Program
- Connects high school students with current Cornell engineering students
- Provides guidance, support, and project-based learning opportunities
Cornell Engineering Research Exposure Program
- Engages high school students in real-world research projects
- Conducts summer research internships for students in grades 10-12
Cornell Engineering Outreach Clubs
- Supports STEM clubs in New York City and other underserved areas
- Provides resources, training, and access to Cornell engineering faculty and students
Empowering Educators
HESOP recognizes the critical role of educators in nurturing STEM interest and skills. Through professional development and teacher resources, the program empowers educators to engage their students in innovative and meaningful STEM experiences.
Outcomes That Inspire
The success of HESOP is evident in the impact it has on participants. Over 90% of students who have participated in HESOP programs pursue STEM degrees in college, with many going on to make significant contributions to their fields.
Addressing Challenges through Innovation
STEM Opportunity Gap
HESOP targets students from underserved communities, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to excel in STEM.
Lack of Role Models
By connecting students with current engineering students and professionals, HESOP introduces role models who inspire and demonstrate the power of STEM careers.
Hands-On Learning
HESOP programs prioritize hands-on experiences, providing students with a tangible understanding of engineering concepts.
Metrics that Measure Success
- Over 1,000 high school students reached annually
- 90% of participants pursue STEM degrees in college
- 75% of participants engage in STEM-related extracurricular activities
- 60% of participants intern in STEM fields as undergraduates
Tables to Highlight Key Data
| Program | Number of Participants |
|---|---|
| Cornell Engineering Summer Institute | 120 |
| Cornell Engineering Mentoring Program | 80 |
| Cornell Engineering Research Exposure Program | 40 |
| Cornell Engineering Outreach Clubs | 500 |
| Outcome | Number |
|---|---|
| Students Pursuing STEM Degrees in College | Over 90% |
| Students Engaging in STEM-Related Extracurricular Activities | 75% |
| Students Interning in STEM Fields as Undergraduates | 60% |
Inspiring Quotes
“HESOP sparked my passion for engineering and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.” – Former HESOP Participant
“HESOP is a lifeline for students who are underserved in STEM. It makes a real difference in their lives.” – HESOP Educator
New Applications
HESOP’s innovative approach and focus on hands-on experiences have led to the development of novel applications that engage students in STEM:
- STEAM Hackathon: A competition that challenges students to develop interdisciplinary solutions to real-world problems using science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
- Robotics Club: A student-led club that provides hands-on experience with building and programming robots.
- Engineering Design Challenge: A semester-long project that gives students the opportunity to design, build, and test a prototype of a working solution to a specific engineering problem.
Call to Action
The Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program is a beacon of innovation and inspiration for the next generation of engineers. Join us in empowering high school students to become the creators, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.
- Visit the HESOP website to learn more about our programs.
- Donate to HESOP to support our mission of fostering STEM education.
- Encourage high school students to apply for our programs.
Together, we can build a brighter future for STEM and inspire a new generation of engineers who will shape the world.