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Kyle Nguyen switched his major to chemical engineering after enrolling at the University of �޻���ֱ�� at Lafayette and beginning studies in another academic concentration.

Now, Nguyen, a senior from Vietnam, helps high school students who are trying to make choices about their majors and careers. He’s one of about 40 students selected to participate in the Engineering Ambassadors Program this year.

“I was very impressed with the engineering department, and I want to impart that excitement to high school students,” he said.

Student ambassadors must apply to participate in the College of Engineering’s service program. They are selected based on interviews conducted by faculty and staff members from the College of Engineering. The ambassadors receive training in areas such as leadership and public speaking, and assist with recruitment and outreach efforts.

The ambassadors represent the College of Engineering at high schools, where they make presentations and visit with students, parents, teachers and guidance counselors. They also assist with career fairs, and at the college’s annual Engineering Technology and Expo Day.

This year’s ambassadors were welcomed into the program recently at a ceremony at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center.

Dr. Terry Chambers, associate dean of engineering, told student ambassadors they have an opportunity to make a difference.

“You have the opportunity to really influence the lives of a lot of young people, help them understand that there is potentially a great career in technology or engineering,” he said.

Angel Gassen, a senior from Luling, La., said she enrolled at UL Lafayette because she liked the campus, the engineering program and the city. She decided to major in mechanical engineering based on her own research, and because she felt the curriculum would mesh with her interests and academic strengths. “My degree choice was based on being good at chemistry and math, but no one ever told me anything about engineering technology, and I think I would have benefitted from that,” she said.

Dr. Mark Zappi, dean of the College of Engineering, reminded the newest student ambassadors that they also get opportunities to interact with engineering industry leaders and companies.

“You competed for this position, and hopefully you will put it on your résumés that you are members of this program,” he said. “It’s a plus that you are able to communicate effectively, and work as a member of a team. It lets people know that you care about your profession and people to volunteer your time.”