K-12 Programs
The College of Engineering and Polymer Science offers a variety of K-12 programs for students who are interested in engineering, engineering technology, computing, and polymers. We believe that young people should be given opportunities – beyond the classroom – to interact with and explore the exciting world of STEM.
High School Visits
For students in grades 10-12
We welcome high school and community groups for on-campus visits. Students may attend an event, visit teaching/research facilities, attend a guided campus tour or meet with current students. This is a great opportunity for students to start learning about our engineering legacy, co-op program and design teams. Group tours are available for groups of 8 or more.
Our faculty and students also offer opportunities to visit your classrooms to run hands-on activities and presentations on engineering careers.
Students must be in grades 10-12.
Contact us at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu.
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.
September 27, 2024, 9 am - 1 pm
Contact Prof. Brian Ballou at ballou@uakron.edu.
Engineering and Computing Professions Visit Day
For high school students
Engineering and Computing Professions Visit Day is an event held on campus by faculty and students to introduce high school students to engineering and computing professions. This is an interactive event with hands-on activities that will rotate through three stations of engineering and computing. Lunch is provided. An optional self-guided campus tour can be arranged. (200 student capacity)
September 27, 2024, 9 am - 1 pm
Contact us at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu.
Zips Teaching STEM
For students in grades 11-12
Hosted by engineering student leaders with support from design teams and professors, Zips Teaching STEM is a series of Saturday events to introduce students in grades 11 or 12 to careers and studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on workshops. Each workshop will cover different engineering fields. The workshops will open with a short presentation over the exciting opportunities available at The University of Akron, followed by two hands-on activities to challenge your engineering sense and problem-solving skills, and an exciting demonstration from real-world engineers! A complimentary lunch will be provided.
There is no prerequisite knowledge necessary and no cost involved! Attend one or attend them all!
Contact Dr. Mani Kannan at mk77@uakron.edu or FutureEngineers@uakron.edu.
Senior Design Day
Open to 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)
April 11, 2024, 9 am - 1 pm
Contact us at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu.
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.
Day Camp Cost: $350
Only 25 spots are available, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Partial scholarships are provided to families with financial needs.
Contact us at CEPSDiversity@uakron.edu.
June 3-7, 2024. Registration is closed.
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.
This program is offered in the spring semester of 2023 through 2025.
SWE Shadow Day
For high school students
Organized by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) UA Student Section, 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!
Registration opens in January 2025.
Future Earth Event
For middle school students
Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) UA Student Chapter holds Future Earth for middle school students each April. This is a fun and educational event that aims to initiate and/or foster a passion for sustainability and STEM in young adults through design competitions, educational presentations and meeting current role models in the STEM field.
Contact Delora Grace Allen, ESW President at eswakron@uakron.edu.
Registration opens in January 2025.
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.
Kids Career Day 2024: Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 8 am - 12 pm
Contact us at CEPSDiversity@uakron.edu.
This video was filmed at The University of Akron during the 2022 camp.
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.
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: in-school visits featuring engaging hands-on demonstrations, polymer family science nights, field trips to our exciting polymer research school, and many polymer-related classroom resources available through their educational website.