ICA Girls Compete in Engineering Competition for Tenth Year in a Row

Immaculate Conception Academy students seek to regain their companionship title in Engineers Alliance for the Arts Bridge Competition.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 28, 2012

High school students at Immaculate Conception Academy, an all-girls college preparatory school, are competing for the tenth year in a bridge building engineering competition. Working alongside engineers involved with Engineers Alliance for the Arts (EAA), students design bridges and present their models to judges at a final competition that will be held on April 28th at the PG&E Auditorium at 245 Market St in San Francisco. The event is open to the public.

The first year ICA participated it was the only all-girls school in the competition. The Spartans won in every category including ‘Best Overall.” Over the years, ICA students have continued to win their share of awards, but they haven't repeated their sweep; that repeat sweep remains a goal for their teacher!

Math Department Chair Gigi Torres said, “I'm excited about the program because girls get to meet current engineers and learn about engineering in a way that encourages them to pursue the discipline. We need more women in the engineering field.”

Once a week students meet with active engineers to plan and build their bridges, the design of which is based on one of three scenarios. Volunteering at ICA are Laura Whitehurst, engineer at Walter P. Moore; Dave Miller, engineer at Degenkolb; and Brandon Sullivan, engineer at Arup.

Whitehurst, the leader of the ICA volunteer team, specifically requested to be placed with ICA this year. She had worked with Torres in the past and had a positive experience. “This is a great way for girls to learn how engineering ties into everyday life because it incorporates speaking, writing, and math,” Whitehurst stated.

This is Miller's first time volunteering with the program. He got involved because he did not have this kind of opportunity in high school and was proud to help provide it to current students. Miller said, “This program helps teach girls about their career options, that engineering is within their reach.”

Estefania Lopez, ICA Class of 2012, shared, “I love the program. It allows students to work independently and creatively while being guided by the engineers. We can compete and get recognized for our work.” She said that the volunteers are happy, fun, helpful, and approachable. “I used to think engineers didn't have a life, but I now I realize it's a good career. It's incredible to design something that you can see come to reality.”

For more information about this program please contact Katie Mayberry, Marketing and Events Specialist, at (415) 824-2052 x40.

About ICA

Immaculate Conception Academy, a Catholic college preparatory school, educates young women for a life of faith, integrity and service. As a Cristo Rey school in the Dominican tradition, they are committed to providing both excellent education and meaningful corporate work study experiences to students of limited financial resources. Learn more about ICA at http://www.icacademy.org. Learn more about Cristo Rey at http://www.cristoreynetwork.org.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/3/prweb9337480.htm