Attached to the October issue of Prism is “Engineering, Go For It!” a 64-page guidebook whose purpose is to get high school students interested in engineering. The book, published by ASEE, covers many innovative and exciting areas of engineering that we believe young people will enjoy hearing about, including a story about the role that electrical engineers play in creating electronic music made by pop stars like Britney Spears and Fatboy Slim. There are stories about how engineers are developing all sorts of amazing tools to fight terrorism and dramatically improving the lives of the elderly and disabled. We know through research that many youngsters have no idea what engineers do. We hope more young people will consider engineering as a career once they have a better idea of what the field entails and how it can help them improve the world and have an exciting and well-paying career.

We have printed almost 400,000 copies of the guidebook, 250,000 of which are being distributed to the 75 engineering schools that sponsored the publication. Nonsponsoring schools can purchase copies from ASEE for $2 per copy. We have many distribution methods in mind, and our goal is to get the book into the hands of as many high school students across the nation as possible, particularly those who do well in science and math.

“Engineering, Go For It!” is another step in the ambitious agenda that ASEE has undertaken that includes ASEE's EngineeringK12 Center Web site, http://www.engineeringk12.org, and the creation of new ASEE membership categories for both K-12 teachers and institutions.

This month, as usual, Prism has a broad mix of stories for your interest. The cover story, “Proceed With Caution,” reviews, in depth, the relationship between academic researchers and industry. The article looks at the rise in partnerships between academia and industry and the many concerns endemic to the commercialization of academic research. Although the relationship is likened to walking a tightrope, the effort can be rewarding if schools adhere to strict rules of engagement. “The Corps at a Crossroad” considers the background and future of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Under siege on a number of fronts, the Corps has turned to engineering educators for help.

As always, I welcome hearing your comments and thoughts.

Frank L. Huband
Executive Director and Publisher
f.huband@asee.org