K-12 Programs
The College of Engineering and Polymer Science offers a variety of programs designed primarily for high school students interested in engineering, engineering technology, computing and polymers. Committed to fostering STEM education, we provide opportunities beyond the classroom, allowing high school students to engage with and explore the exciting world of engineering, science and technology. Additionally, with the generous support of our industry partners, friends and professional organizations, we offer hands-on learning experiences for younger students and educators, helping to inspire and cultivate the next generation of innovators.
SIGNATURE EVENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS
Construction Olympics
For high school and college students
Hosted by the Department of Civil Engineering, the Construction Olympics is a competition of eight events where students can win medals and prizes for being the best in each event. Competition events include: The Amazing Pace, Sawzall Challenge, Drilling for Dollars, Hammer Time, Cylinder Toss, Room Volume, Reach for the Sky and Fork it Over. This competition is open to high school groups (capacity 100 students) and college students.
Read More:
High school and college students compete in 3rd Annual Construction Olympics
2nd annual Construction Olympics showcases civil engineering at UA
Congratulations to the winners of UA’s Construction Olympics!
When: September 19, 2025, 8:30 am - 1 pm (2 pm with an optional campus tour)
School Registration: Opens in July for Teachers/Counselors
Contact: Prof. Brian Ballou at ballou@uakron.edu or FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
Engineering Professions Visit Day
For high school students in grades 9-12
Engineering Professions Visit Day is an event held on campus by faculty and students to introduce high school students to engineering and engineering technology. This is an interactive event with hands-on activities that will rotate through three stations. Lunch is provided. An optional self-guided campus tour can be arranged. (200 student capacity)
When: September 26, 2025, 9 am - 1 pm (2 pm with an optional campus tour)
School Registration: Opens in July for Teachers/Counselors
Contact: Jordan Brlan at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
Computing Professions Visit Day
For high school students in grades 9-12
Computing Professions Visit Day is an event held on campus by faculty and students to introduce high school students to computer science and computer information systems. This is an interactive event with hands-on activities that will rotate through three stations. Lunch is provided. An optional self-guided campus tour can be arranged. (120 student capacity)
When: October 17, 2025, 9 am - 1 pm (2 pm with an optional campus tour)
School Registration: Opens in July for Teachers/Counselors
Contact: Jordan Brlan at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
Senior Design Day
For high school students
Senior Design Day is our annual celebration event for graduating seniors to present their senior capstone projects. The event is open to high school students and allows them to explore engineering and computing majors. High school students have opportunities to talk with current students and faculty members to learn about their capstone projects. (200 student capacity)
When: April 11, 2025, 9 am - 12 pm (1 pm if having lunch at Rob’s Cafe; self-guided tours)
School Registration: Teachers/Counselors
Contact: Jordan Brlan at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
EVENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL HIGH SCHOOLS
In addition to our signature events for multiple high schools, teachers and counselors can schedule a visit to tour our facilities based on their interests or invite our faculty and students to visit their classroom.
High School Visits to UA
For high school students in grades 10-12
We welcome high school and community groups for on-campus visits. During their visit, students can tour our teaching and research facilities, participate in a guided campus tour, or meet with current engineering students. This is a great opportunity to explore our engineering legacy, learn about our co-op program, and discover our award-winning design teams. (Capacity: 50)
Contact: Jordan Brlan at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu for the link to our registration form and preferred dates.
Outreach to High Schools
For high school students in grades 10-11
Our faculty and students are available to visit high school classrooms to lead hands-on activities, deliver engaging presentations on engineering careers or attend college/career fairs.
Contact: Jordan Brlan at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu for the link to our registration form and preferred dates.
SPONSORED EVENTS
Summer Experience in Engineering Camp
For students entering grades 9-12
Summer Experience in Engineering Camp has just about everything for high school students interested in learning more about aerospace systems, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, corrosion, electrical and mechanical engineering. This week-long summer camp, hosted by the Women in Engineering (WIE) Program, is for students entering grades 9-12. From tours to local engineering firms to hands-on projects, along with social activities, WIE provides the ideal environment for campers to embark on engineering studies and make new friends.
Read More:
Inspiring Future Engineers: Highlights from the Summer Experience in Engineering Camp at The University of Akron
Women in Engineering Program inspires high school students at annual Summer Engineering Camp
When: June 2-6, 2025, 9 am - 4 pm (lunch and snacks will be provided)
Day Camp Cost: $350 (Limited partial scholarships are provided to families with financial needs)
Only 25 spots are available, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration: Opens in late April
Contact: Dr. Neete Saha at nsaha@uakron.edu
SWE Shadow Day
For high school students
Organized by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) UA Student Chapter, SWE Shadow Day is an opportunity for students from local high schools to shadow a student at the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. Event participants will attend engineering classes, visit design team rooms, explore The University of Akron campus, and learn from current engineering students about their co-op experience!
When: March 13, 2025, 9 am - 2 pm (lunch and snacks will be provided)
Registration: Click here
B-STEM
For students in grades 6-8
The B-STEM program is offered through a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Raymond and Sylvia Lee. The free, seven-week B-STEM program is for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students interested in STEM and business who attend East Community Learning Center in the Akron Public Schools District.
Read More:
Business in STEM program sparks creativity for East CLC middle school students
Youngsters get down to business during B-STEM program at East Community Learning Center
When: This program is offered in the spring semester.
Contact: Dr. Neete Saha at nsaha@uakron.edu
Kids Career Day
For students in grades 1-6
This annual event, hosted by the Women In Engineering Program, introduces children in 1st-6th grade to careers in STEM. Students participate in fun activities, such as shooting a paper rocket in the air using Alka Seltzer and water to better understand chemical reactions. Students have also made roller coasters using insulation tubes and marbles to learn about kinetic energy.
Read More:
Kids Career Day inspires future inventors
When: March 1, 2025 from 8 am - 12 pm
Registration: Currently closed
Contact: Dr. Neete Saha at nsaha@uakron.edu
ASM Materials Camp® - Teachers
For teachers
This week-long, hands-on lab experience shows educators how to use applied engineering techniques in their classroom. ASM Materials Camp®-Teachers is an idea-generating workshop introducing teachers to methods that make math and core science principles more enticing and relevant to their middle and high school students. Materials topics are great motivators in any engineering, technology or science course as students learn concepts that are reflected in their everyday lives.
Learn More:
Attend the ASM Materials Camp®-Teachers Today!
When: July 7-11, 2025
Registration: Click here
Akron Global Polymer Academy
The Akron Global Polymer Academy provides opportunities for teachers and students of all ages to experience the exciting world of polymers through a variety of offerings, including: Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors, hands-on workshop on polymers, and many polymer-related classroom resources available through their educational website.