(March 3, 2008) – On Tuesday, March 4, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will host a career day event for 20 Baltimore Polytechnic Institute students and two faculty advisors.           
          
The “Introduce a Student to Engineering Day” will take place at SHA Headquarters (707 North Calvert Street) in downtown Baltimore between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The planned activities will provide students with an overview of the engineering profession as well as an opportunity to shadow a professional engineer. Students will be able to observe the project development process as it relates to civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering concepts.           
          
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of modern road building in Maryland this year, we reflect not only on the past, but focus on the future of the State’s highway network as well,” said Neil J. Pedersen, Maryland State Highway Administrator. “Clearly these talented youth hold tomorrow within their sights and we hope to attract them to transportation engineering as they consider their future careers.”          
          
The half-day career event will educate and attract high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering and related fields. Participation is limited to Baltimore Polytechnic Institute students for this year’s event.           
          
National Engineers Week was celebrated the week of February 17. This event was rescheduled due to inclement weather and school closings on Friday, February 22.          
The week is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers among young students and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and science.          
          
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Editor’s Note: For media participation only: Please call (410) 545-0303 to reserve parking. Media guests will need to show proper ID and sign in at the security desk.