High school students throughout the metropolitan Detroit area are invited to Wayne State University's College of Engineering Wednesday, Feb. 19, to participate in activities designed to inspire future engineers during National Engineers Week.

Among the interactive displays will be a human-powered vehicle test station and computer stations set up for an Internet treasure hunt contest.

With this open house, the College of Engineering is building on its special position as an urban college that is proud of its diverse student population. In the 1996 fall term, 330 minorities and 277 women were enrolled at the college.

The day's events begin at 9 a.m. in the Community Arts Auditorium, where participants can visit with faculty and administrators over a continental breakfast. A question-and-answer session with WSU engineering students; a tour of the college's laboratories; and lunch for the visitors at the Student Center Building will follow. The open house also will include presentations by the university's Office of Admissions and Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

National Engineers Week was initiated in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers. It is celebrated around George Washington's birthday in recognition of his career as a military engineer and land surveyor.

Since its founding, the society has grown to involve tens of thousands of engineers nationwide in numerous community outreach activities, with the purpose of bringing public attention to the work and contributions of the nation's engineers.

For more information contact Gerald Thompkins, assistant dean of engineering, at (313) 577-3780.