Be sure to have the teacher evaluate your presentation. Evaluation forms are in the National Engineers Week kit. You might create your own forms. Some points to consider:

• Would it have been helpful to spend more time with the teacher in advance of the presentation?
• Were the support materials (brochures, slides) effective?
• What was not so interesting?
• What could have been improved?
• Would there be an opportunity to work with students again this year or next?

Remember to write thank-you notes to teachers, principals, and others at the schools who supported your efforts.

Don't end your contact with students and teachers when you leave the classroom. Some students may be intensely interested in what you do and want to meet with you again. They may want to visit your office to learn more. The teacher may be eager to work with you to develop a field trip or judge a science fair in the spring. Ask students to write to you with any questions. Leave paper and self-addressed, stamped envelopes for them.

National Engineers Week is a perfect opportunity to start a partnership. It's up to you to keep it going. If your organization is willing to establish an ongoing partnership with a local school here are some tips:

• Evaluate the level of commitment—in time, personnel, money, and hardware—your organization is willing to make. Consider whether a school already has business partners and whether your organization can make a unique contribution.
  
  
• Discuss the most prominent student needs with a teacher or principal. Be specific about the level of commitment your organization can provide.
  
  
• Together with the teacher, research a one-year lesson plan, detailing projects your organization can participate in, i.e., judge science fairs, mentor individuals, etc.
  
  
• For more information about partnership programs around the country, contact the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education, 1201 New York Ave., NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC, 20005, tel: 202-289-2911.

Next: Promoting your Program

National Engineers Week Foundation
1420 King Street   Alexandria, VA 22314
tel. 703.684.2852   email: eweek@nspe.org