RACE for an Engineering Career for an Engineering Career!

   The purpose of this event is to continue a relationship between Hispanic students from low-income families with expressed interest in higher education, and Rice Hispanic students. This day exposed students to Rice SHPE members who have gone through the college application process and can guide them in their own process.

   Students from Austin High School underwent a rigorous selection process conducted by our teacher contact, Mr. Timothy Johnson. Mostly sophomores were brought to campus to participate in this event. The students were divided into three groups each led by a chapter officer, while other members answered questions and participated in the planning of the event. Each group attended three 40 minute sessions for the first half of the day including: a financial aid workshop, a mechanical engineering tour and an official Rice University campus tour. Dr. Richard Tapia, University Professor, provided the students with a fun and new way to view math and science with BMX and muscle cars. Lunch was provided in a Rice cafeteria so that the students could interact with the members of the Rice community. The final and unique event was a roller coaster building contest. Students were divided into groups of four or five and used their creativity and teamwork skills to construct a roller coaster from Styrofoam, tape, and any other available objects (chairs, tables, etc.). The roller coasters needed to support a marble and were tested in front of the entire group. They were judged and awarded first, second, and third prize.