Girls in Engineering Academy
The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) created the ESD Girls in Engineering Academy (GEA) to improve academic achievement and increase the interest in engineering among girls. ESD’s overarching goal is to decrease the gender gap in engineering professions by helping girls to excel at science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and eventually pursue engineering careers.
ESD will select 30 middle school girls to participate in a summer and academic year learning program. The summer experience will engage students over a four-week period, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday. The program will provide math and science enrichment, engineering and computer science concepts, English/language arts comprehension, hands-on project-based STEM activities, mentoring, field trips to industry, and engineering career exploration.
The GEA program will continue during the academic year. GEA students will meet two Saturdays per month for three-hour sessions. Students will continue to learn about various engineering disciplines and careers. Students will also focus on STEM activities to reinforce concepts learned over the summer and during the school year.
GEA Features:
- Education about what engineers do
- Instructors who are female engineering students
- Workshops in engineering, mathematics, computer science and communication skills
- Hands-on experiences designing engineering projects
- Field trips to Engineering Facilities and other STEM-related places
Program Registration
January 4, 2022–May 31, 2022
Summer Program Dates/Times
July 11, 2022–August 5, 2022
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. *In-Person Instruction
Academic Year Program Dates
October 1, 2022–May 20, 2023
Saturday (twice a month) 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
*In-Person instruction will be determined by COVID-19 policies and procedures established by GEA university partners.
How To Apply?
Applications will be accepted from January 4, 2022—May 31, 2022. Follow the links on this page.
When Will Applicants Be Notified?
The Engineering Society of Detroit will notify applicants of their acceptance or wait-list status after May 2, 2022. We will not be able to respond to status requests before this date. Please provide a frequently checked email or cell phone (text) number on the application.
What Is The Cost?
$200 per year
Who Is eligible For The Girls in Engineering Academy Program?
Current 5th grade female students who have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better and a minimum B average in math and science.
For more information on the Girls in Engineering Academy program, please contact:
Dr. Gerald Thompkins, Program Director
gthompkins@esd.org
248-353-0735, Ext. 139
248-353-0736 FAX
Ms. Alexandra Lofton, Program Coordinator
alofton@esd.org
248-353-0735, Ext. 161
248-353-0736 FAX
“Dr. Thompkins, I wanted to share my daughter’s excitement with you. She came in first place in chemistry class. She said she learned all about whatever they were doing in GEA! Thank you!” —Laurena Bascomb-Evans, GEA Parent
“I want to share how much this program has impacted my daughter Niara’s learning. She is in Academic Games, and her instructor has said she’s the best in the program. Last year she won the best participant award. Last year she was on honor roll the entire year, and this year not only is she on honor roll but she’s maintaining a 4.0. Huge thank you to you and your staff for all that you do!” —Yahasha Colbert
Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2022-23 Academy. The deadline date was May 31, 2022. Please contact gthompkins@esd.org with questions.
MAKE A PAYMENT
To pay your $200 Program Fee, please enter the student’s name in the box below, and press “Pay Now.” You will need to enter a payment amount—either $200 for full payment or partial payment of $50 or more.
PHOTOS FROM THE PROGRAM:
2022 GALLERY
2021 GRADUATION GALLERY 1
2021 GRADUATION GALLERY 2
2021 GRADUATION GALLERY 3
2020 GRADUATION GALLERY
2019 PHOTO GALLERY
2018 PHOTO GALLERY
GIRLS IN ENGINEERING ACADEMY IN THE NEWS:
PBS – “Future of Me – Manufacturing”
PBS – “Future of Me – Cybersecurity”
WXYZ: “Detroit program on a mission to bring more girls, minorities into STEM field”
“How Middle School Girls are Learning Engineering” Detroit Free Press Article
