High school students can find out if a career in electrical/computer engineering technology is right for them during free summer workshops hosted by Purdue University Calumet.

The eight-week program, offered by the university’s Department of Engineering Technology, will provide high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and useful knowledge about the field.

The workshop will be held at the main campus in Hammond from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from June 25 through Aug. 13 and at Purdue Calumet’s Academic Learning Center in Merrillville from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays from June 23 to August 11.

“We produce graduates that support the infrastructure of our country,” Purdue Calumet Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Academic Advisor Ed Perosky said. “Through these workshops, we want to show students our particular flavor of computers and electrical engineering.”

Upon successful completion of the program, participants who go on to enroll in Purdue Calumet as an electrical and computer engineering technology (ECET) student will receive academic credit. Perosky said interested middle school students and adults also may participate in the workshop.

Purdue Calumet’s ECET program offers fundamental theory and a laboratory environment. The job outlook for engineering technology graduates is expected to be strong for the next 15 years, according to Perosky. ECET graduates are prepared to work in a wide variety of industries doing jobs that involve: designing and developing electrical products, field services and technical sales, computer networking, computer hardware and software, electrical power and wireless electronics.

To register online, visit
http://ecet.calumet.purdue.edu/summer-seminar-2009.php. Other information can be obtained by e-mailing Perosky at perosky@calumet.purdue.edu or phoning the department at 219/989-2471 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2471.