College of Engineering launches Engineering Exploration Days

Recently the College of Engineering launched five new events to welcome incoming 2019-2020 students to campus. Engineering Exploration Days give students a chance to meet current students, play with engineering “toys” like robots and race cars, and get a feel for life as a UA engineering student.

“We want to reinforce that they made a great decision when deciding to attend The University of Akron, especially as they wrap up their senior year of high school and are busy with summer plans,” says Becky Hartman, Assistant Director of Engineering Recruitment. “How many students can say they learned how to make a bridge or drove an SAE Baja car over Spring Break?"

On Friday, March 29, 20 high school seniors participated in the first Engineering Exploration Day. Some of these students have been admitted into the College of Engineering but have not chosen a major. The goal was to introduce them to the different engineering disciplines and deepen their interest in a specific area.

Nick Sabetta took one of the SAE Baja cars out for a few laps in a parking lot while his classmates patiently lined up under a tent to escape the rain, waiting their turn.

“This is awesome!” said Sabetta, beaming. “I am learning a lot and even got to talk to a bunch of engineers today. I am leaning towards majoring in electrical engineering.”

Then, on Tuesday, April 2, the College hosted a Civil Engineering Exploration Day for incoming civil engineering majors. Students attended a freshman level Hazardous and Solid Waste class, saw a faculty led demonstration on how concrete is made, and assembled a bridge with the Steel Bridge Team. They ate lunch with engineering students and asked questions to students on a panel. Many questions centered around the Cooperative Education Program, which provides students with paid, on-the job experience in industry.

The College will hold Engineering Exploration Days on April 8, 16, and 18. If you are a high school student, parent of a high school student, or teacher interested in bringing a group to visit campus, let us know! We would love to have you.