Each year volunteers participate in more than 50 different activities around the area; helping at STEM events, participating in career fairs, visiting classrooms to talk to students about engineering, and serving as student mentors. In the last academic year, Chicago Engineers’ Foundation impacted more than 2,000 K-12 students thanks to our amazing volunteers!
No experience is necessary, and training/resources are provided to each volunteer.
Virtual STEM Career Presentations
Spend an hour talking about your educational and career experiences with high school students from the Chicago Association of Student Engineers. A slide template will be provided to personalize with your experiences. This opportunity is open to any STEM professional interested in discussing their career with students. Select your preferred date from the following options: Saturday, October 10th, Saturday, November 21st, Saturday, January 9th, Saturday, February 20th, Saturday, March 13th, Saturday, April 10th, and
Saturday, May 8th. All discussions will be hosted via Zoom from 10am to 11am. Email Debbie Birrell at cef@chicagoengineersfoundation.org to RSVP.
College of Lake County Engineering Night
Thursday, October 29th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at College of Lake County. Engineering professionals will host small group career discussions with high school and college students to help them learn about educational and career pathways. To RSVP Complete THIS FORM.
Career Fair at St. Rita High School in Chicago
Friday, November 6th from 9:30am to 12:30pm at St. Rita High School in Chicago. Professionals from any industry are welcome to be part of this annual event. Host an exhibit table to talk to high school students about your career path. Volunteers are welcome to bring photos, a laptop with video, or other items to display for your table that describe your work experiences. To RSVP Complete THIS FORM.
STEM Fair Competition Judges in Chicago
Friday, December 11th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Boys and Girls Club One in Chicago. Volunteers are needed to serve as judges for the annual science fair competition for elementary and middle school students. A scoring rubric and training are provided. Volunteers of all STEM backgrounds are welcome to participate. To Volunteer RSVP to Debbie Birrell at cef@chicagoengineersfoundation.org.
Career Discussion with Sail Her Dreams
December 21st, 22nd or 23rd at 10am (select your preferred date, school location TBD in Chicago). Women with professional experience in water management or environmental engineering fields are welcome to participate in career discussion with young women in the Sail Her Dreams program who are interested in STEM careers. To RSVP email Debbie Birrell at cef@chicagoengineersfoundation.org.
Chicago Public Schools STEM Exhibition Judges
Students in grades 6-12th can present projects at their local school STEM Exhibition for feedback, recognition, and encouragement. Student projects judged to be high quality at the local school level can participate in the CPS Regional STEM exhibitions with dates scheduled on Jan 10th and 17th, and February 5th, 6th, and 7th. More information can be found at THIS LINK. To RSVP email Debbie Birrell at cef@chicagoengineersfoundation.org.
Career Fair at Marist High School in Chicago
Monday, January 25th w/ time TBD during the school day at Marist High School in Chicago. STEM professionals are welcome to be part of this annual event. Host an exhibit table to talk to high school students about your career path. Volunteers are welcome to bring photos, a laptop with video, or other items to display for your table that describe your work experiences. To RSVP email Debbie Birrell at cef@chicagoengineersfoundation.org.
Family STEM Night
Thursday, February 18th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park in Chicago. STEM professionals are encouraged to participate in this special event for K-8 families. Host a table of hands-on activities for kids to encourage them to learn simple STEM concepts in a fun and engaging environment. To RSVP email Debbie Birrell at cef@chicagoengineersfoundation.org.
Host a Corporate Tour
Is your Chicago-based firm interested in hosting a short tour for students to learn about your work and engineering careers? You select the date and time. Chicago Engineers’ Foundation can provide a presentation template and take care of the RSVP’s. If your company is interested in hosting an office or site-visit tour email Debbie Birrell at cef@chicagoengineersfoundation.org.
Ready to become a new volunteer?