‘Engineering the Future’: College of DuPage, NIU partner to showcase engineering careers on March 2
Designed to connect local students with regional employers and educators, event will feature a career expo, panel discussion and tours
High school students from the region will have the opportunity to explore engineering careers and educational pathways close to home during “Engineering the Future” on Monday, March 2, at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.
Coming on the heels of National Engineers Week (Feb. 22-28), the event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jack H. Turner Conference Center, in COD’s Student Resource Center, Room 2000.
The event is in partnership with Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET).
Designed to connect local students with regional employers and educators, Engineering the Future will feature a career expo, a panel discussion with area business leaders, and opportunities to tour COD. NIU CEET Dean David Grewell will moderate the panel discussion.
“DuPage County has a strong manufacturing and engineering presence, and this event helps students see how those local industries translate into real careers,” Grewell said. “By bringing together regional companies, College of DuPage and NIU, we’re showing students clear, accessible pathways — from education to employment — right here.”
“College of DuPage is proud to serve as a gateway to high-demand engineering careers for students in the region,” said COD STEM Dean Jen Cumpston. “Engineering the Future provides students opportunities to explore career options, meet employers who are hiring locally, and learn how starting their education close to home – utilizing COD’s high-quality and affordable academic programming - can seamlessly transfer into a four-year degree or the workforce.”
From 10 to 11:30 a.m., students will be able to meet one-on-one with company representatives to learn about engineering roles, internships and future workforce needs. Tours of COD’s campus will be offered at 10:30 a.m. A panel discussion featuring leaders from local and regional businesses will follow at 11:30 a.m., offering insight into career preparation and the skills employers are seeking.
Lunch will be provided and the afternoon will include additional expo time. The event is open to students curious about engineering careers, educators and school counselors, families supporting future engineers and companies interested in engaging with the next generation of talent.
Registration is required and space is limited:
Individual students: go.niu.edu/EngineeringTheFuture-COD
School groups: go.niu.edu/ETF-COD
Companies interested in reserving an expo table should contact Matt Baron at mbaron@niu.edu.
NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) provides affordable access to a world-class engineering education. Our fully accredited programs emphasize hands-on experience, with small classes taught by experienced, dedicated faculty that help a diverse array of students explore and ignite their passions in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.
Learn more by visiting niu.edu/ceet/about/index.shtml
College of DuPage is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving more than 28,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The College grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study. Learn more at cod.edu.