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WIU-QC School of Engineering to Host Area High School Students Thanks to Donor Gifts

August 31, 2017

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MOLINE, IL - Western Illinois University-Quad Cities will host hundreds of high school students from Rock Island and Scott counties in September for School of Engineering visit days as part of an initiative funded by two local organizations.

With costs underwritten by The Moline Foundation and the Regional Development Authority, the High School Engineering Career Exploration Days will allow more than 400 students from 11 area high schools to meet faculty and tour the lab spaces including an updated CAD classroom, mechatronics lab and "makers' space." High school students will also meet current WIU students showcasing their senior design projects, many of which are being completed in collaboration with area manufacturers and the Quad Cities Manufacturing Laboratory (QCML) located on the Rock Island Arsenal.

Visits will take place from noon-2 p.m. on five Fridays: Sept. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.

According to William ("Bill") Pratt, School of Engineering director and professor, engineering is one of Western Illinois University's signature academic programs, with WIU-QC engineering students conducting internships or gaining employment at area businesses such as Kone, Genesis Systems, Elliott Aviation, and more. Additionally, Pratt noted, all four years of math, science, and engineering courses are provided at the Quad Cities campus

"These high school students, who have expressed an interest in engineering, have a chance to see that they can stay here locally and be part of a top-notch program," Pratt said. "Through our partnerships with the Quad Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub, and our efforts with the Digital Manufacturing Design Innovation Initiative, we are helping the Quad Cities transform into an advanced center for innovation and manufacturing as noted in the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce's Q2030 plan."

According to Paul Plagenz, director of development for WIU-Quad Cities, having the costs underwritten by local foundations makes these visits possible.

"We're thankful to The Moline Foundation and the Regional Development Authority for giving prospective students a first-hand look at what we have to offer," he said. "Thanks to their financial support, high school students will be able to fully understand the strengths of our program including small class sizes, personal instruction from faculty, and that they will be able to perform hands-on work in the labs, all of which provides for the well-rounded, high-quality educational experience valued by the employers in our region and beyond."

Recently, the 2017 Washington Monthly College Guide recognized Western Illinois University as a "Best Bang for the Buck" Midwestern school and as one of the top master's-degree-granting institutions in the nation.

For more information on the WIU School of Engineering or about the Career Exploration Days program, contact Bill Prattt at (309) 762-9481 Ext. 62783 or WF-Pratt@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Alison McGaughey (AR-McGaughey@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing