HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES TO EXPLORE ENGINEERING LABS AS PART OF NATIONAL PROGRAM

More than 60 rising high school sophomores from Northern Virginia will be on the Old Dominion University campus Wednesday, Aug. 1, getting hands-on experience in the engineering labs and speaking with counselors about the university's admissions policies and financial aid/scholarship opportunities.

The students are participating in the ninth annual Reach for Tomorrow (RFT) program which aims to expose high school students to the activities, challenges and opportunities in the fields of engineering and science.

The visiting students will view demonstrations designed by Old Dominion computer and electrical engineering graduate students and will conduct experiments themselves with laser light, sound and electricity.

Since its inception in 1993, RFT has provided more than 2,000 students hands on experience piloting planes and boats while taking college-level classes and laboratories, as well as field trips to companies and institutions of higher learning to discover employment opportunities after college.

The week-long summer program extending from July 30-Aug. 4 is virtually cost free to participating students with corporations, local businesses and foundations supporting their activities and housing. Among the attractions the students will visit while in the area are Langley Air Force Base, Fort Eustis, Nauticus and the Virginia Marine Science Museum.