Assuming that we've miraculously solved issues such as those touched upon in previous parts of this series, we need ways to illustrate to students the benefits of pursuing a career in mechanical, electrical, or electronic engineering. In the process we should, for example, highlight both the personal and professional benefits of such a career choice, also comparing engineering to other careers.

As a national program, we would need a comprehensive package to market this drive to children and young adults. Who's going to coordinate and pay for such a program? Let's say, hypothetically, that ThomasNet is willing to listen.

They (Yes, 'they' in this case since, even though I freelance for Product News Network, I'm not an employee of parent Thomas Publishing company) would need at least a basic business plan to keep listening.

Think about such elements as objectives, who's going to benefit and how, and who's going to pay for it. Think about the target audience, and how to reach them. Pay attention to your own kids and their interests, where they go, what web sites they frequent, what magazines they read, what they listen to and who they listen to. Pay particularly close attention to those younger folks who clearly show the drive and aptitude for engineering.

Of course, I have some ideas about this, but my kids are older and have already graduated. Plus, I don't want to put words in your mouth.

I will say, however, that I'm all giddy at the possibilities. Think of it. National exposure not only for The Program (whatever it might turn out to be), but also for its sponsors who could include such entities as aerospace, automotive, electrical, electronic, and other engineering-driven companies. This is also an opportunity not only to reach the next generations of engineers, but also get some positive exposure for engineering itself. Milk does a body good? Fuggedaboudit. Think of how engineering does the world good. Think of how your role, no matter what you do, ties into the bigger picture. Think of the engineers that have come before you. Think of the Eiffel Tower, Spruce Goose, San Francisco Bay Bridge, automobiles, spacecraft, electronics, air conditioning, the Internet, high-performance materials, factory automation, global collaboration—just as a start.

Also, what do we tell these engineers-to-be once we get their attention? We'd have to have a message. A strong one. A message that's not only logical, but inspires at any level—from designing the latest and greatest fastening system to the next Space Shuttle. Once some of these bright-eyed tinkerers, planners, builders, designers, fixers, modifiers, and dreamers buy into that message, where do we go from there?

Tell you what. Work with me, here. Fire back with constructive comments and we'll work together on the business plan to be presented to ThomasNet at a later, TBD date. I'll start putting it together based on our thoughts and ideas. And I'll post the developing iterations here as we go along so we can polish it. (If you'd rather not comment in a public forum, send your feedback here.)

Will They listen? I dunno. But a) If we don't do it, who else will? and b) We could make history by being the first blog to go beyond news, opinion, and chatter to actually making a difference. We could actually DO something, a 'something' of great value at that.

You might spend a little time reading or commenting on this or other blogs anyway, so what do we have to lose? Just a little redirection of energies and we could actually accomplish something great through this medium. What do you think?

[insert Slow Clap here]

p.s. I said in the last installment that this one would be fun. Okay, it's turning out to be more work than fun. I was thinking at the time of a vehicle—highly modified and customized—that would attract Ooos and Ahhs at a very wide range of events, from NOPI meets to Manufacturing Week. A vehicle that would appeal to an equally broad audience, ranging in age from, oh, 10-70. Not an easy task. This could be part of The Plan, however, so please give it some thought. This could be the fun part.