Resources listed under this category are primarily aimed at practicing engineers, including recognizing their accomplishments and identifying opportunities for "giving back" to their communities and/or the engineering profession.

Information Clearinghouses – Resources, resources, and more resources!

General Public Awareness Programs/Events – Get involved in National Engineers Week!

Engineering Accomplishments – Explore the profession’s accomplishments!

Engineering Awards – Honoring individuals and projects!

Mentoring Programs – Become a mentor today!

Community Service – Get involved in giving back!

Ethics Resources/Orgs – For dealing with tough situations!

Engineering/Technology and Society - Thinking about the bigger picture!

Professional Resources for Young Engineers – Help for dealing with the “real world”!

Leading Engineering Design Firms (opens a new window) – A “who’s-who” of employers!

Engineering Societies (Overarching, Discipline/Field-Specific, and Minority/Women-Focused) (opens a new window) – Helping you in the “real-world”!

Miscellaneous – The Order of the Engineer, Science and Technology Policy Fellowships, Progressive Engineer magazine, and more!
 

Information Clearinghouses:

Women In Engineering Organization (WIEO) Website: An Internet-based clearinghouse designed to act as a unifying resource about women in engineering and associated programs nationwide. Targets audiences from young girls through working professionals, as well as K-12 teachers, guidance counselors and college faculty. Put forth in partnership by Tufts University, Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network (WEPAN), and the Society of Women Engineers.

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General Public Awareness Programs/Events:

National Engineers Week (E-Week): Annual event held in February that promotes public awareness of engineering and encourages youth to consider a career in engineering. Coordinated by the National Society of Professional Engineers in conjunction with a coalition of over 100 engineering societies, governmental agencies, and major corporations.

“Voices of Innovation” Website: Voices of Innovation is a daily two-minute radio spot focused on engineering and technology that involves a discussion with an engineer at work on a particular technological innovation. The spots are played on a variety of public and commercial stations each weekday. The website contains a complete archive of spots, providing both a written transcript as well as the spot recorded in MP3 format. The program itself is sponsored by the American Society for Engineering Education (AAES).

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Engineering Accomplishments:

A Sightseers Guide To Engineering: A website that seeks to spotlight how engineers improve lives by identifying prominent “sights” (museums, dams, bridges, industrial facilities, etc.) nationwide one can visit in person or over the Internet. A one-page summary of each “sight” is provided, along with a link to that sight’s own webpage to obtain further information. The website is put forth by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).

“Building Big” TV Series and Website: Building Big™ a five-part PBS television series that explores large structures (bridges, domes, skyscrapers, dams, and tunnels) and what it takes to build them. The associated website explores the series further, including providing a series of hands-on activities. The overall project was conducted in association with the American Society of Civil Engineers.

“Engineering the Impossible” Website: In association with its Extreme Engineering TV series (see above), the Discovery Channel identified three “impossible” projects: 1) the Millennium Tower (a skyscraper twice the size of the Empire State Building, 2) the Gibraltar Bridge (uniting Europe and Africa) and 3) the Freedom Ship (the world's first floating city) and explored how they might actually be accomplished. The results are presented on the website, including via video clips visualizing the final product.

“Extreme Engineering” TV Series and Website: Extreme Engineering is a Discovery Channel television series that explores ten of the most ambitious engineering projects ever undertaken. The associated website provides virtual interactive tours of each of the 10 projects documented in the series.

Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century: A website listing and describing the top 20 engineering achievements of the 20^th century as determined through a rigorous selection process led by the National Academy of Engineering. For each achievement, a brief introduction, detailed history and associated timeline are presented on the website.

History and Heritage of Civil Engineering: A website celebrating the accomplishments of the civil engineering profession, exploring landmark projects and notable engineers, while also providing an image library and a resource guide. Put forth by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

IEEE Virtual Museum: Internet-based museum designed for students ages 10-18, educators, and the general public to enhance their understanding of the principles of electrical and information sciences and technologies within a historical context. Put forth by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Monuments of the Millennium: A website highlighting the 10 greatest civil engineering achievements of the 20th century, with a specific project (“monument”) selected to represent each achievement. A short description of each monument is given, with a series of weblinks provided to access further information.

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Engineering Awards/Recognition:

While a multitude of awards/recognition programs exist, presented below are a select few of particular interest:

Charles Stark Draper Prize ("Draper Prize"): Recognized as one of the world's preeminent awards for engineering achievement, the Draper Prize "honors an engineer whose accomplishment has significantly impacted society by improving the quality of life, providing the ability to live freely and comfortably, and/or permitting the access to information." The recipient of this annual prize receives a $500,000 cash award. Issued by the National Academy of Engineering.

Engineering Excellence Awards: Annual awards program honoring the best engineering projects of the year completed by engineering firms. Twenty-four awards are presented, covering nine project categories. Known as the "Academy Awards of the Engineering Industry," with the awards being presented at a black-tie affair in Washington, DC. Run by the American Council of Engineering Companies.

National Academy of Engineering (NAE): Gaining membership to the NAE is considered one of the highest professional honors attainable for an engineer, as one must be peer-elected to join. Only about 2000 individuals are currently members. (The NAE itself, like its sister organization the National Academy of Sciences,  fulfills a vital national role, having been founded by Congress to act as an independent advisor to the federal government.)

National Inventors Hall of Fame®: Akron, Ohio-based museum honoring the men and women responsible for great technological advances. Nearly 200 individuals have been inducted into the Hall since its founding in 1973; all inductees must hold a US patent to be eligible. Inductees are chosen annually by a National Selection Committee comprised of 37 national scientific and technical societies. Sponsored by the US Patent and Trademark Office and Hewlett-Packard.

"New Faces of Engineering" Recognition Program: Recognizing selected young engineers (2 to 5 years out of college). Run through National Engineers Week, with selected engineers being nominated by sponsoring professional societies from amongst their membership.

New Product Award: Annual award program that seeks to "recognize the full spectrum of benefits that come from the research and engineering of new products." Any new product, machine, process or material developed in the US is eligible, with nominations grouped into four categories according to the size of the company producing the product. Program run by the National Society of Professional Engineers through its Professional Engineers in Industry (PEI) Practice Division.

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Mentoring Programs:

MentorNet: A non-profit program focused on establishing one-on-one, email-based mentoring relationships, pairing women students in science and engineering with mentors from industry and academia. Also provides other resources aimed at helping women (both students and professionals) in science and engineering.
 

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Community Service:

Engineering for Impact: A networking tool for students and practicing engineers interested in tackling socially-motivated projects. Provides contact information for organizations and individuals engaged in such projects (“field contacts”), along with contact information for individuals interested in such work (“peer contacts”). Put forth by the Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford University.

Engineers for a Sustainable World: A nonprofit organization with a network of more than 1000 professionals and students working to reduce poverty and improve global sustainability.

Engineers Without Borders USA: Non-profit org that involves college engineering students in design/construction projects in developing countries, working under the supervision of faculty and professional engineers from partnering engineering firms. Projects involve water, wastewater, sanitation, energy, and shelter systems and are initiated by, and completed with, contributions from the host community, which is trained to operate the systems without external assistance. A member of Engineers Without Borders-International

Global Village Engineers: A volunteer corps of professional engineers that educates, trains, and advises NGOs and local communities in the developing world about infrastructure and environmental projects. Affiliated with both the World Economic Forum’s Disaster Resource Network and Engineers Without Borders-International.

Habitat for Humanity International: Well-known nonprofit that uses volunteers to help build affordable houses for qualifying low-income families both in the US and internationally. Local Habitat affiliates coordinate house building and select partner families. Through its Campus Chapters and Youth Programs (CCYP) department, cultivates both high school and college campus chapters internationally and also runs a Collegiate Challenge whereby students participate in house building as an “alternative Spring Break” activity.

Rebuilding Together: Nonprofit that uses volunteers to help rehabilitate America’s low-income homes and revitalize communities. Has over 250 affiliates nationwide. Works year-round, but also organizes an annual National Rebuilding Day every April.

Tech Corps®: A national nonprofit focused on mobilizing technology volunteers into schools, offering tech support and teacher training.

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Ethics Resources/Orgs:

Ethics Resources and References: A variety of resources put forth by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Of particular interest would be the 29-page document Selected References & Resources on Engineering Ethics & Professional Practice for Practicing Engineers, Engineering Educators & Engineering Students.

Foundation for Professional Practice: A non-profit org that focuses on the professional, ethical and leadership issues in the practice of engineering and science. Provides Programs and Seminars (offering Do-It-Yourself, FPP Instructor-Provided, and FPP-Conducted options), along with supporting products and materials. Established by the ASFE in alliance with the ASCE.

National Institute for Engineering Ethics / Murdough Center for Engineering Professionalism: A Texas Tech-based center promoting ethics in engineering education and practice and providing a variety of ethics-related resources.

Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Science: A Case Western Reserve-based center providing working engineers and scientists and students with ethics-related resources.

Science and Engineering Ethics: A multi-disciplinary quarterly journal exploring ethical issues confronting scientists and engineers, covering professional education, research and practice as well as the effects of innovations on the wider society. Annual subscription rate is about $80; contents and abstracts are provided online.

Software Engineering Ethics Research Institute: An East Tennessee State University-based entity promoting the development of ethical and professional practices addressing the impacts of software engineering and related technologies on society, through research, education, and consultation.

Web Clearinghouse for Engineering and Computing Ethics: A North Carolina State University-based ethics clearinghouse.

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Engineering/Technology and Society:

Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility: An independent public-interest alliance of computer scientists and others interested in the impact of computer technology on society.

Engineers Forum on Sustainability: A forum co-sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the American Society for Engineering Education for discussion and exchange of information regarding the principles and practice of sustainability. The Forum meets three times yearly at the National Academy of Engineering, with a newsletter produced (available online) highlighting the issues, activities, and developments discussed at the meetings.

Pugwash: An international group seeking to bring scientific insight and reason to bear on threats to human security arising from science and technology in general, and, in particular, threats posed by nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. Pugwash USA is the US branch of the organization.

Societal Impacts of Science and Engineering Section of AAAS: Section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science looking at the societal impacts of science and technology.

Society on Social Implications of Technology of the IEEE: The scope of this society includes: the environmental, health and safety implications of technology; engineering ethics and professional responsibility; history of electrotechnology; technical expertise and public policy; peace technology; and social issues related to energy, information technology and telecommunications.

Technology and Society Division of ASME: Seeks to "explore emerging technologies and their impact on greater society worldwide while helping students, engineers and leaders build professional networks and advocate change." Works through five program committees: Engineering Public Policy, History and Society, Intellectual Property, Sustainable Engineering, and Technology and Ethics.

Union of Concerned Scientists: An independent public-interest alliance of scientists and others active in four program areas – the environment, vehicles/transportation, food/agriculture, energy, and security/nuclear arms control.

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Professional Resources for Young Engineers:

Professional Practice Curriculum (PPC): An on-line program of study (provided free of charge) for engineering students and early career engineers designed to supplement the formal college/university engineering curriculum in helping them be better prepared for entry into, and early advancement in, the engineering profession. 20 separate modules provided. Put forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Young Engineers Resource Center: A variety of resources offered aimed at Mechanical Engineers, including an extensive online Career/Life Guide; put forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

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Leading Engineering Design Firms (opens a new window)

Engineering Societies (Overarching, Discipline/Field-Specific, and Minority/Women-Focused) (opens a new window)

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Miscellaneous

AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Programs: Prestigious fellowship programs providing unique public-policy learning experiences to selected individuals while bringing technical backgrounds and external perspectives to decision-making in the U.S. government. Ten separate fellowship programs are offered. Engineers with a master's degree and at least three years of professional experience are eligible to apply.

The Order of the Engineer: A ceremony at which  engineers are invited to to accept the Obligation of the Engineer (a creed similar to the Hippocratic Oath taken by medical graduates) and are presented with a stainless steel ring to mark the occasion. The ceremonies are conducted by Links (local sections) of the Order, which total nearly 200 nationwide. Inductees must be licensed engineers and/or graduates from an ABET-approved engineering program.

Progressive Engineer: Online magazine and information source covering all disciplines of engineering in the continental U.S. The magazine features profiles of engineers and companies and stories on projects that detail the accomplishments of engineers from a human perspective in an easy-to-read style.

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