K-12 Programs
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, polymers and applied mathematics. 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
Engineering Professions Visit Day
For high school students in grades 9-12
Engineering Professions Visit Day is an on-campus event hosted by faculty and students to introduce high school students to engineering and engineering technology. Through six rotating interactive stations, students will explore areas such as biomedical devices, chemical processes, polymers and advanced materials, infrastructure, robotics, energy systems, and engineering design while interacting with faculty and current engineering students. Pizza lunch is provided, and an optional campus tour may be arranged. (200-student capacity)
When: September 25, 2026, 9am – 1pm (2pm with an optional campus tour)
School Registration: Engineering Professions Visit Day School Registration 2026
Contact: Jordan Brlan FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
Read more: 2025 Event, 2024 Event
Senior Design Day
For high school students in grades 9-12
Senior Design Day is an annual celebration showcasing the capstone projects of graduating seniors in engineering, engineering technology, computing, polymers and applied mathematics. Open to high school students, the event provides opportunities to explore engineering and computing majors through interactive project displays and conversations with current students and faculty. Visitors will experience industry-relevant projects, research projects, and innovation projects while learning about hands-on learning, research, and career pathways within the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. An optional campus tour may be arranged. (200-student capacity)
When: April 15, 2027, 9am – 12pm (1:30pm if having lunch at Rob’s Café with an optional campus tour)
School Registration: Senior Design Day School Registration 2027
Contact: Jordan Brlan FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
Read More: 2026 Event, 2025 Event, 2024 Event
Summer Experience in Engineering Camp
For students entering grades 9-12
Summer Experience in Engineering Camp offers high school students an exciting opportunity to explore aerospace systems, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering through hands-on learning experiences. Throughout the week, students participate in engineering projects, visit local engineering and technology companies, tour university facilities, and engage in team-building and social activities while interacting with faculty, current engineering students, and industry professionals. This week-long camp provides an engaging environment for students to explore engineering careers, experience college life, and build lasting friendships. (30-student capacity)
When: June 1-5, 2026, 9 am - 4 pm (lunch and snacks will be provided)
Day Camp Cost: $350 (Limited partial scholarships are provided to families with financial needs)
Registration: Registration is closed.
Contact: Dr. Neete Saha at nsaha@uakron.edu
Read More: 2025 Event, 2024 Event, 2023 Event
Construction Olympics
For high school and college students
Hosted by the Department of Civil Engineering, the Construction Olympics is a hands-on competition featuring interactive engineering and construction challenges where students compete for medals and prizes. Events may include activities such as The Amazing Pace, Sawzall Challenge, Drilling for Dollars, Screw It, Leave it to Lever, Paint the Town, Thinkertoy Tower, What’s Up?, Concrete Buggy Boogie, and Steeple Chase. The event introduces students to concepts in construction, teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering technology through engaging, team-based activities. This competition is open to high school groups (120-student capacity) and college students.
When: September 18, 2026, 8:30am – 1pm (2pm with an optional campus tour)
School Registration: Teachers/Counselors click here to register
Contact: Prof. Brian Ballou at ballou@uakron.edu or FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
Read More: 2025 Event, 2024 Event, 2023 Event, 2022 Event
Computing Professions Visit Day
For high school students in grades 9-12
Computing Professions Visit Day is an on-campus event hosted by the Department of Computer Science to introduce high school students to computer science and computer information systems. Through four rotating interactive stations, students will explore areas such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, networking, software development, data and emerging technologies through hands-on activities and career exploration while interacting with faculty and current computing students. Lunch is provided, and an optional campus tour may be arranged. (120-student capacity)
When: October 9th, 2026, 9am – 1pm (2pm with an optional campus tour)
School Registration: Computing Professions Visit Day School Registration 2026
Contact: Jordan Brlan FutureEngineers@uakron.edu
Read More: 2025 Event
Mathematics Competition
For high school students in grades 9-12
The UA Math Competition is an on-campus event for high school students in grades 11–12, hosted by the Department of Mathematics. Participants explore math concepts through fun, engaging individual and team competitions. Math Competition Day Events, each participant takes a 55-minute individual test, a break, followed by a 50-minute group test, and then followed by lunch, awards, and a panel. Lunch is provided. An optional campus tour can be arranged. (50 student capacity)
When: November 6th, 9am – 1pm (1pm with an optional campus tour)
School Registration: Math Competition Day School Registration 2026
Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Riedl math@uakron.edu or FutureEngineers@uakron.edu | 330-972-7400
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 to the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. During the visit, students may participate in a hands-on group activity to explore engineering concepts, tour teaching and research facilities, and join a guided campus tour. Visitors will also have opportunities to learn about our nationally recognized co-op program, award-winning student design teams, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for engineering and computing careers. (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, STEM programs, and career events to deliver hands-on engineering activities, interactive presentations, and career exploration sessions. Activities are designed to connect classroom learning with real-world engineering applications while introducing students to engineering and computing careers.
Sample activities may include biomedical device design, chemical reaction demonstrations, infrastructure and transportation challenges, computer and smart city simulations, robotics and motion control systems, and polymer processing & 3D printing. Students work in teams to solve problems, explore engineering concepts, and experience the engineering design process through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
Contact: Jordan Brlan at FutureEngineers@uakron.edu to arrange visits.
Sponsored Events
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, eagan@uakron.edu | 330-972-7510
B-STEM
For students in grades 6-8 attending East Community Learning Center
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
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 13-17, 2026
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.