The Seismic Outreach program, a cornerstone initiative of UC San Diego's Society of Civil and Structural Engineers (SCSE), is being re-energized. This long-standing program, which has been impacting thousands of children across the greater San Diego county for over 20 years under the guidance of Professor Lelli Van Den Einde, is now being enhanced through industry participation and alumni engagement.
The program received a $2,500 grant from the National Council of Structural Engineering Association Foundation, which will be used to expand its reach and make it accessible to other universities. In fall 2024, the program welcomed schools from Chula Vista for the first time, providing many students with their first college campus visit experience.
After a brief setback during the pandemic, the program has returned stronger than ever, with renewed support from the Structural Engineering Association of San Diego (SEAOSD) and UC San Diego Structural Engineering Alumni.
Professionals and alumni, in collaboration with SEAOSD, have identified the Seismic Outreach program as a valuable opportunity to support both college and elementary students while promoting structural engineering.
The Seismic Outreach program is also inviting students from other universities to observe and replicate the program at their own institutions and are seeking support from UC San Diego Structural Engineering alumni through volunteering and financial contributions. Plans are underway to present the program at the upcoming SEAOSC convention in 2025, introducing it to the broader structural engineering community.
The program aims to introduce structural engineering concepts to 4th through 6th-grade students through engaging activities led by UC San Diego student volunteers.
Each quarter, the program identifies elementary schools with a priority focus on underrepresented communities. Students build structures using K'NEX pieces, applying basic engineering concepts learned from UC San Diego volunteers. The program culminates in a visit to the UC San Diego campus, where students test their structures on an instructional shake table, participate in interviews, and tour the campus and structural engineering research facilities.
A crucial aspect of the Seismic Outreach program is the professional development opportunity it provides for the UC San Diego undergraduate students who lead it. Through their involvement, these students gain invaluable skills. They learn to effectively communicate with diverse groups, including teachers, parents, media representatives, and school and university administrators. Balancing program responsibilities with academic commitments hones their time management abilities. Organizing and executing the program from start to finish develops project management expertise, and collaborating with fellow students, faculty advisors, and industry professionals enhances their teamwork skills. These experiences prepare the undergraduate leaders for future professional roles, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
“We are thrilled by the enthusiastic engagement from industry professionals, many of whom have children in the target age group and truly understand the program's impact. Their involvement brings real-world context, enriches the experience for all participants, and creates a powerful bridge between academia and industry,” said Professor Van Den Einde. “This collaboration inspires the next generation of structural engineers while preparing our undergraduate leaders for successful careers, embodying the program's multifaceted educational approach,” she added.
