Current Engagements
The Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering (PCE) is committed to community outreach that focuses on engineering and occupational safety and health management. PCE Outreach participates in several events every year. They are listed below in the order in which they occur.
GVSU Summer Camps
PCE Outreach coordinates and supports several K-12 summer camps at Grand Valley State University. GVSU camps are a great opportunity for K-12 students learn STEM subjects on a university campus!
PCE Outreach coordinates Science Technology & Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) Camp, a day-camp focused on rising 7thand 8th graders that is focused on aviation. PCE Outreach also supports the Regional Math & Science Center with Advanced Manufacturing Camp and partners with East Kentwood High School to provide summer STEM programs.
FIRST Robotics
FIRST Robotics is a “sport of the mind” for high school students that develops engineering and problem-solving skills. FIRST Robotics teams start with a “Kit of Parts” and then design, program, and build industrial-sized robots that play an action-packed game on a themed field. Teams collaborate with mentors and sponsors throughout the process.
Grand Valley State University hosts the FIRST Robotics West Michigan Regional Competition in March. More than 1000 students from across the Midwest compete at this event each year.
For more information about FIRST Robotics, visit the FIRST website. For more information about FIRST Robotics teams and events in Michigan, visit the FIRST in Michigan website.
Engineering Day
Engineering Day is an event for 4th – 8th graders that focuses on STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). This event is hosted at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Community partners and professionals from various STEAM fields have interactive stations that showcase their respective areas of expertise. PCE Outreach participates by providing hands-on activities related to engineering, occupational safety and health management, and mathematics.
For more information, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum website.
Roger That!
Roger That! celebrates the life and work of astronaut Roger B. Chaffee. This two-day conference takes place at Grand Valley State University and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. PCE Outreach participates by providing hands-on activities related to engineering, space exploration, and renewable energy.
For more information about GVSU Roger That! programming, visit the GVSU Roger That! website.
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is the premier STEM competition in the United States. Region 12 Michigan Science Olympiad includes students from Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa County schools. Each year, PCE Outreach assists the GVSU Regional Math & Science Centerwith the Region 12 Michigan Science Olympiad Competition.
For more information, visit the Region 12 Michigan Science Olympiad website.
PCE Project Day
PCE Project Day showcases the work of undergraduate and graduate students in the Padnos College of Engineering. At the conclusion of each Fall and Winter semester, Grand Rapids area high schools are invited to the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center on the GVSU City Campus to view the projects and interact with PCE students, faculty, and staff.
Interested in attending PCE Project Day with your high school class? Visit the PCE Project Day website to sign up!
STEM & Pre-College Fairs
PCE Outreach promotes STEM education and careers by participating in STEM events and college fairs throughout West Michigan. These initiatives provide opportunities for PCE Outreach to interact with students, educators, and community members and foster interest in STEM education and careers. Past engagements have included:
- Battle Creek Career and College Fair
- CTC Careerline Fair
- Hopkins Career Fair
- Kentwood Public Schools STEM Fridays
- North Godwin STEM Night
- STEAM Along the Lakeshore in Muskegon
- West Ottawa STEM Family Night
Interested in inviting PCE Outreach to your STEM or college fair? Contact PCE Outreach at [email protected].
Tech Week: Grand Rapids
Tech Week Grand Rapids is a dynamic multi-day series of events highlighting technological innovation in the region. From interactive technology exhibits to panel discussions and networking sessions, Tech Week is a participant-driven “unconference” that provides attendees with the flexibility to attend the events that align with their interests.
PCE Outreach hosts K-12 activities during Tech Week! For more information, visit the Tech Week Grand Rapids website.
Confluence
Confluence Festival is the capstone experience for Tech Week Grand Rapids and features programming focused on science, technology, art, and music. PCE Outreach is a program partner and sponsor of the Confluence Future Innovators Zone (FIZ), where students of all ages can explore STEAM and AI activities, such as high-tech drones, robots, and rockets.
For more information, visit the Confluence Festival website.
Global Learning through Engineering Experience (GLEE) Academy
The Padnos College of Engineering invites you to an on-campus, two-week, residential summer program for international undergraduate students and early-career professionals (graduated within the last 3 years) in engineering, STEM, or business fields. This program is a hands-on, design & build, project-based learning experience paired with cultural exploration and community engagement.
Dates have been finalized so mark your calendars for 21st June, 2027 - 2nd July, 2027! To learn more and submit an application, visit the GLEE Academy website.
