Grambling State University Hosts Engineering Technology High School Day
Grambling State University (GSU) recently welcomed nearly 90 high school students from around the region to its campus for the 24th Annual Clayton A. Wiley Engineering Week High School Day. The event, hosted by the Department of Engineering Technology, offered students a glimpse into the world of engineering and the opportunities available at GSU.
This year’s theme, “Design Your Future!”, provided a framework for the day’s activities. Students representing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs from Arcadia, Gibsland-Coleman, Lincoln Preparatory, and Simsboro high schools competed in various challenges designed to test their problem-solving skills. These included a bridge design and building project, computer activities, drone flight exercises, and mechanical puzzles.
The event aligns with National Engineering Week, observed in the third week of February each year. It is named in honor of the late Clayton A. Wiley, recognizing his 40 years of service to the Engineering Technology department and the Wiley family’s endowment to the program. The day’s activities are seen as a valuable recruiting and outreach initiative.
“The annual Clayton A. Wiley Engineer’s Week High School Day has always been a very important and productive event for the students visiting from the area high schools,” said Dr. Edwin Thomas, Interim Director of the GSU Department of Engineering Technology. “Several students who have participated in the competition activities in the past later became students at the university.”
The High School Day commenced with an opening program featuring several university leaders, including Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Connie Walton and College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Stacey Duhon, among others. They highlighted GSU’s diverse offerings, including programs in high ability and cybersecurity, which are available to high school students.
“You’re going to get a chance today to engage in competitions, show off some of your STEM skills that are in engineering technology, mathematics, and others,” Walton said. “We hope that by the end of your time here today that you will see some of the things Grambling State University has to offer you.”
Faculty member John Frazier, who oversaw the drone flying competition, emphasized the significance of the “on campus” experience. He noted the impact of allowing students to interact with the technology and campus environment firsthand.
“When you can get a young student on campus and have them see things like the kinds of different drones that we build and get a chance to actually fly the drones we use in the flying competition — those things are the kinds of things that can really make an impact on them,” Frazier said. “They also get to experience the campus — what the classrooms are like and all of that. And it’s those kinds of things that can leave a lasting impression on them.”
The department also recognized the crucial role of student mentors and the event staff in ensuring the success of the day’s activities,
