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.
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
Read More: 2024 Event, 2023 Event, 2022 Event
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
Read More: 2024 Event
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 is for students entering grades 9-12. From tours to local engineering firms to hands-on projects, along with social activities, this camp provides the ideal environment for students to embark on engineering studies and make new friends.
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
Read More: 2024 Event, 2023 Event
Project SEED
For students entering grades 9-12
Project SEED is a transformative summer program that offers high school students across the U.S. and its territories the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in scientific research. Each summer, over 350 students are matched with qualified mentors at university, industrial, and government labs for 8-10 weeks. The program is designed for low-income students interested in chemistry or science, with eligibility requirements including the completion of at least one high school chemistry course. Participants work on a scientific research project under the guidance of a mentor, gaining invaluable lab experience and insight into potential chemistry-related careers. Students also have the chance to earn a $4,000 stipend, present their research at national meetings, and apply for college scholarships. With virtual options available, Project SEED provides a unique opportunity to build a strong academic and professional foundation.
Application: Visit the ACS Project SEED website to view the eligibility requirements and application process
Contact: Dr. James Eagan, Akron’s Local ACS Project SEED Coordinator, at eagan@uakron.edu or 330-972-7510
Summer Camp – Making and Testing Solid State Batteries
For students entering grades 9-11
This 2-day summer camp introduces students to the fundamentals of battery technology. Participants will learn about the basics of batteries, explore why solid-state batteries are considered the future, and gain hands-on experience by making and testing batteries on a lab scale. The camp also provides an opportunity to explore cutting-edge research happening at The University of Akron.
Commitment Requirements:
- Students: Must have an interest in futuristic research related to batteries, materials science, and 3D printing.
- Parents: Must be willing to allow their child to work in a lab environment.
- Date & Time: June 2 and June 3 from 10 am to 3 pm. Lunch will be provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration.
Registration: Click Here
Limited Spots Available: 6 students; open to High School Students (Grades 9-11)
Contact: Dr. Jae-Won Choi (jchoi1@uakron.edu) | Bharath Reddy (ba140@uakron.edu
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.
When: This program is offered in the spring semester.
Contact: Jordan Brlan at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
Read More: 2024 Event, 2023 Event
Kids Career Day
For students in grades 1-6
This annual even 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.
When: March 2026
Registration: Opens in January
Contact: Dr. Neete Saha at nsaha@uakron.edu
Read More: 2025 Event, 2024 Event
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.
When: July 7-11, 2025
Registration: Click Here | Learn More
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.