Q. How and when did National Engineers Week begin?

A. National Engineers Week was founded in 1951, by the National Society of Professional Engineers. It's always celebrated at the time of George Washington's birthday. Our nation's first president was a military engineer and a land surveyor.

Q. What is the Week's purpose?

A. The mission then, and now, is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the engineering profession.

Q. Who sponsors National Engineers Week?

A. At the national level, there is a National Engineers Week Committee, comprised of volunteer leaders from the engineering societies and major U.S. corporations that contribute financially to the annual event. Each year a different engineering society and a corporate partner team up to chair the event. The chairing organizations are drawn from among the sponsors.

Q. What are the national programs?

A. Discover"E": Engineers visit K-12 classrooms and show practical applications of math, science and engineering and talk with students about what engineers do. Additional information is available from engineering societies and the Junior Engineering Technical Society.

National Engineers Week Future City Competition: Engineer-volunteers help seventh-and eighth-grade students design and build computer-generated cities of the 21st century. Winners of local contests compete in Washington, D.C., during National Engineers Week. Extensive media coverage educates millions about the role of engineering in creating the world around them. Additional information is available from headquarters.

Engineering Goes Public: Engineers and engineering students sponsor special exhibits at the great American village square: the shopping mall. Demonstrations, contests and family hands-on activities also run in local science centers and libraries. A special booklet details planning a mall event. Order Engineering Goes Public, found in the Eweek Product Catalog. Check here for dozens of other ideas for participating in National Engineers Week.

Q. When should I begin planning local events?

A. The best time to begin planning is early fall.

Q. Is Discover"E" a career guidance effort?

A. The Discover"E" program began in 1990 as an effort to increase visibility for engineering careers among students in grades K-12. The program quickly broadened its scope and emphasis to promote math, science and technology literacy.

Q. If my school system is on vacation that week, can I hold a Discover"E" program?

A. There is always the chance for scheduling conflicts or, in some cases, there is simply too much for a volunteer organization to do in one week. Volunteers are encouraged to hold their student-related activities either a week earlier or later if there is a conflict.

Q. We have an active program but can't generate much media coverage. Any suggestions?

A. To assist with media planning, a how-to booklet is distributed with every kit order. It is also available in the Eweek Product Catalog.

Q. How can I get involved?

A. Contact the local section or chapter of your engineering society or order a free planning kit. Kits may be ordered by phone at 412-741-1393, or by E-mail at: EWEEKORDERS@ABDINTL.COM (Only kit orders accepted via e-mail.)