• Posted: October 8, 2021
• better careers, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, Northwestern University, STEM Competition

 

Powering Chicago recently teamed up with students from nine Chicago high schools to host a STEM competition in partnership with Northwestern University. As part of our commitment to better careers, the competition provided real-world applications of STEM and the electrical industry to aspiring STEM students in Chicago. 

The competition was held at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech). Thirty-one high school teams from the local area competed to design job specifications on an autonomous camping vehicle and complete physical tasks that mimic what Local 134 electricians do out in the field.

“Northwestern and Powering Chicago developed an incredible partnership three years ago, and one aspect of that partnership is through today’s STEM competition,” said Ashley Wanland, Assistant Director of Community Relations at Northwestern University.

“The STEM students were in the same school environment where IN-Tech apprentices learn, giving them a glimpse into what the life of an IBEW electrician is like,” said Gene Kent, IN-Tech director. The experience gave them an understanding of how their STEM studies could be applied to a potential career in the electrical industry.

The competition focused on different activities that electricians perform every day in the electrical industry including load calculations, physical activities like climbing up ladders and exercising. Another component of the competition was teamwork and time management. 

“We’re excited for the partnership with Northwestern University and to introduce the electrical field to all our participating high schools that joined in this year’s competition,” said Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago.

In addition to the hands-on experience at IN-Tech, each participating student received a football ticket to Northwestern’s game vs. Ohio University. 

“We’re thrilled to be a part of it, and to play a role in helping the students discover a passion that they may not have had before. They’ll walk away with incredible skills that they’ll be able to take with them throughout the rest of their life,” saiid Wanland.

Special thanks to Milwaukee Tool, Northwestern University and student participants from Bremen High School, Oak Forest High School, St. Laurence High School, Brother Rice High School, St. Rita of Cascia High School, Reavis High School, Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, Downers Grove North High School and LEO High School.