INCOSE is committed to building the future for Systems Engineering and is proud to announce an initiative targeted to young people from kindergarten through university.  This important initiative will explore the extensive INCOSE member-base expertise, leverage external existing asset-libraries and assemble vibrant outreach activities proven to interest youth in engineering overall.  As the premier Systems Engineering organization in the world, our goal is to add and highlight the SE component to outreach activities.  Youth Outreach Ambassador, Paul Robitaille is leading the initiative.

What INCOSE Expects to Achieve

The Youth Outreach Initiative will thrive by incorporating successful approaches and activities you are already using. This information will be the basis for building an INCOSE system-wide approach to outreach.  In the first phase, we want to gather information about outstanding youth outreach activities, of which you are aware and in which you participate, particularly in the realm of Systems Engineering.

Planned Activities for Youth Outreach at IS 2010

K-12 (Ages 5 to 12) Youth Engineering Education Outreach Program Events

• Opening Plenary Keynote Speaker
  Monday Morning - Linda Katehi, Chancellor of University of California, Davis, National Academy of Engineering and Chair of the National Academy of Engineering Study:  “The Status and Nature of K-12 Engineering Education in the United States”. Chancellor Katehi will report on the outcomes of the study to the general plenary at IS 2010.
• Exhibition Hall
  Monday and Tuesday Evening – Six Organizations with experience in K-12 Engineering Education will have booths for INCOSE Members to meet with them and review their products.
• User Needs Panel for K-12 Systems Engineering Education Outreach
  Tuesday afternoon as part of our Academic Forum – Paul Robitaille, INCOSE Ambassador for Youth and University Outreach will chair a five person panel to examine the user needs for K-12 Engineering Education Outreach.
• K-12 Systems Engineering Outreach Workshop
  Workshop will be held on Wednesday – Discussions will be held on the INCOSE Youth and University Outreach Strategic and Operating Plans and various ways INCOSE Members can get involved in this Outreach Initiative.

What You Can Do To Help Now and After IS 2010

Identify activities for us, providing links to:  programs and materials you use or recommend; specific and ongoing activities in which you and/or your chapter is involved.  Examples of outreach may be activities at schools (elementary through graduate programs), Science Centers, Science Fairs and competitions.

We are also interested in learning about Science competitions in which we might help to organize, judge and mentor in order to encourage participation at a systems thinking/systems engineering level.  We seek information about competitions at the local, regional, national and international level.  Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our goal is to assemble materials and design an outreach approach that will be adaptable for several educational levels.  As we collect data, we may invite you to join the team that will architect the program for widespread use.

Become Involved

• Join us at the 2010 International Symposium Workshop
• Send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it letting us know your interests and contact information