Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Inc

The Oklahoma Engineering Fair OEF pioneered the Oklahoma Engineering Fair in 1981, to give middle school and high school students a chance to become familiar with the engineering field. At the time, it was a new concept for students. Today, the fair is held every spring at Science Museum of Oklahoma. It brings together students, teachers, professors, engineering societies and the business community to give students an introduction to engineering and related principles. Students are also given the opportunity to showcase their creativity in engineering construction and design through various categories of competition including a bridge competition; rubber band powered vehicle competition; drone competition; tower competition; electric motor competition; ping pong launcher competition and wacky wonders competition. Prestigious cash prizes are given to winners. In recent years, we have expanded the competition to include a software challenge and an animals and engineering challenge. MATHCOUNTS Oklahoma In 1983, OEF introduced Oklahoma to the national MATHCOUNTS program, the longest-running national mathematics competition for middle school students. Open to all middle schools in the state, the Oklahoma MATHCOUNTS program has impacted thousands of middle school students over four decades. (This does not include the countless students impacted by the free curriculum we provide to schools.) It is a premier program that fosters highly advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills that students need to become innovators and leaders and to help keep Oklahoma competitive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.MATHCOUNTS Oklahoma holds three to five regional MATHCOUNTS competitions every year in coordination with local schools and universities. The top winners from each region advance to the state competition. The state competition brings together dozens of Oklahoma's top mathletes who compete in all-day rounds. The four top finishers take the four highly coveted positions on Oklahoma's national MATHCOUNTS team. This team represents Oklahoma at the national competition. ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMThe Oklahoma Engineering Foundation provides annual scholarships to Oklahoma students pursuing engineering degrees. The program promotes interest in engineering careers, supports academic achievement and helps strengthen the states future engineering workforce. OEF manages the application process, reviews submissions through a volunteer committee of professional engineers and awards scholarships funded by partner organizations and individual donors. Scholarships are granted directly to students enrolled in accredited engineering programs.YOUTH AMBASSADOR BOARDThe Oklahoma Engineering Foundation operates a Youth Ambassador Board that engages high school students in leadership, engineering awareness and community service. The program introduces students to engineering careers, provides mentorship from professional engineers and offers hands-on STEM outreach opportunities. Ambassadors assist with OEF events, promote engineering education in their schools and communities and develop leadership and communication skills through structured activities and service projects.LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRSThe Oklahoma Engineering Foundation monitors state and federal policy issues that affect engineering education, workforce development and STEM programming in Oklahoma. OEF provides nonpartisan information to policymakers, educates stakeholders on the importance of engineering and supports legislation that strengthens STEM education and professional pathways. Activities include tracking bills, preparing issue briefs, and engaging with partners to promote policies that expand access to engineering opportunities for students and teachers.