Project O.T.T.E.R. (Optimizing Talent in Technology, Engineering, and Readiness)
Project O.T.T.E.R. (Optimizing Talent in Technology, Engineering, and Readiness)
Project Focus: Representation in engineering fields.
Target Audience and Location: Low-income African American high school students in the Dallas Independent School District in Dallas, Texas.
Vision: Students have access to academic and extracurricular resources to transform their lives and positively impact their communities through economic mobility and increased representation in engineering fields.
Mission: To expose African American students to STEM activities by providing free engineering lessons, student mentoring, and access to national engineering organizations.
Project Description: Scholar Albert Westbrook and educator Julie Carver developed their project to address the underrepresentation of African American students in engineering fields, especially those from low-income backgrounds. The project aims to provide these students with the resources and support they need to pursue careers in STEM, particularly engineering, by engaging them in hands-on activities, mentorship, and access to national engineering organizations.
Through free engineering lessons, one-on-one student mentoring, and connecting students with professional networks and opportunities, Project O.T.T.E.R. plans to build the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the engineering field. The initiative also focuses on fostering a strong sense of community, encouraging students to be role models and advocates for increased diversity in STEM. Ultimately, O.T.T.E.R. seeks to create pathways for economic mobility and increased representation of African American students in the engineering workforce, positively impacting both their lives and their communities.
As a student leader, Albert is most proud of “Connecting community members that are passionate about engineering to students who want to learn how they can positively impact our community whilst being an engineer or other STEM professional.