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ÐßÐßÊÓƵ University welcomed Junior Achievement of the Golden Triangle for the Ninth Annual Engineering Job Shadow Lunch sponsored by Motiva Enterprises.

 More than 150 high school students and 70 professional engineers from 15 local companies participated in the event designed to spark student interest in engineering as a career path by showcasing various fields of engineering and the ways engineers contribute to our community and the world.

“One of the College of Engineering’s top priorities is to vastly enhance industry and university partnerships, like the event that Junior Achievement held on our campus,” said Brian Craig, dean of the College of Engineering. “Not only do we want to have more young people see our campus and learn about our world-class engineering school, but through partnerships with industry, the university produces more job-ready candidates.”

The College of Engineering was a supporting sponsor of the Feb. 12 job-shadow along with presenting sponsor Motiva Enterprises, and supporting sponsors ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips Chemicals and INVISTA Orange. Participating schools included Beaumont United, Beaumont Early College High School, Westbrook High School, Port Arthur Memorial, Port Neches-Groves, East Chambers, Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Orangefield and Sabine Pass.

“This event is a great opportunity for math and science students to learn about a career choice that they may have never considered, “said Patricia Woolridge, area director for Junior Achievement of the Golden Triangle. “The engineers and students explore basic scientific principles and engage in science experiments using common household items while talking over lunch.”

Motiva Enterprises has sponsored the event for eight consecutive years.

“This event is unique to the Golden Triangle because we have volunteers from many local companies working together to encourage the next generation workforce to consider a career in engineering,” said Chris Plott, project manager for Motiva Port Arthur Chemicals. “Our site is honored to be the presenting sponsor of this important educational event.”