Northwestern State ET Department kicks off Manufacturing Month connecting high schoolers with industry partners

NATCHITOCHES - About 100 students from five area high schools competed in math puzzles, built electronic circuit boards and constructed towers from spaghetti during the 7^th annual Engineering Technology Symposium at Northwestern State University Friday.

The event, acknowledging October as Manufacturing Month, drew students from Bossier High, Many, Natchitoches Central, Alexandria and Negreet to speak with NSU students and ET faculty about degree programs, career opportunities, scholarships and the benefits of Northwestern State's ET Department: small classes, engaged instructors and a strong network of industry partners that enable nearly 100 percent of graduates to leave NSU already employed in the region.

Representatives from manufacturers in Louisiana also provided insights into their companies, products, jobs available and qualifications they look for in employees.

The Engineering Technology Symposium dovetailed with STEM Career Day where students explored opportunities in graduate and professional schools and talked with alumni and industry professionals in STEM areas - wildlife and conservation, medicine, allied health, veterinary science and other high-demand careers.

Information on NSU's Department of Engineering Technology is available at https://www.nsula.edu/engrtech/. Information on the NSU's School of STEM is available at https://www.nsula.edu/stem/.