The Herff College of Engineering at the University of Memphis Girls Experiencing Engineering (GEE) program is designed to instill high school girls with confidence, interest and awareness of the wide array of career opportunities within the science, technology and engineering fields. Currently, women make up only 11% of the country's engineers and only 20% of undergraduate engineering students.

Through hands-on projects, middle- and high-school girls in the GEE program discover what engineers do and how skills like creative thinking, problem solving and communication can contribute to their future success. Practicing women engineers also participate in the program, sharing information about their own educational paths and careers.

The Herff College of Engineering also offers the Girls in Manufacturing summer program, sponsored by the Carrier Corporation, Cargill, Inc. and Cummins, Inc. In a fun atmosphere, students learn about engineering, science and technology and develop skills that can lead to success in careers where women are underrepresented.

Program highlights include a robotics competition, a field trip to a manufacturing facility and daily guest speakers. Participants also build their own manufactured product.

For more information on either of these programs and to learn how to register for GEE or Girls in Manufacturing, visit www.memphis.edu/herff/service.php.