Black Family Technology Awareness Day at Rensselaer Feb. 14

The Office of Institute Diversity at Rensselaer will host Black Family Technology Awareness Day, designed to interest area young people and their families in pursuing occupations in the fields of science and engineering. The event, which honors the nationally celebrated week of the same name, will be held Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. on campus. The event is free and open to the public.

“Black Family Technology Awareness Day is a great opportunity for young students and their families to get a taste of the excitement and possibilities of careers in science and technology,” says Kenneth Durgans, vice provost for institute diversity. “There will be hands-on activities for people of all ages, along with students, professors, and professionals who are anxious to share their experiences studying and working in the world of science and engineering.”

Workshops will be held throughout the day on a range of topics including building robots, making nylon, using lasers, dissecting computers, and learning about what materials engineers can do. The Junior Museum will showcase its “traveling zoo,” including snakes, turtles, and a New Zealand sugar glider (similar to a flying squirrel).

There will be door prizes, refreshments, and a grand-prize giveaway of a new computer (you must be present to win) at the conclusion of the event. To register, contact the Office of Institute Diversity at 276-3060 or fam-tech@rpi.edu.