(February 18, 2008) – On Friday, February 22, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will host a career day event for 20 Baltimore Polytechnic Institute students along with two faculty advisors.           
          
The “Introduce a Student to Engineering Day” will take place at SHA Headquarters (707 N. Calvert Street) in downtown Baltimore from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 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. By shadowing, 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 is being held to 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 (February 17-23, 2008) 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: The event is not open to the general public. For media participation only: Please call Gary Brown at (410) 545-0333 to reserve parking. Media guests will need to show proper ID and sign in at the security desk.