In 2007, The University of Iowa College of Engineering took action to address and fill the gap of a talented and educated workforce with the establishment of the K-12 Outreach program. The mission of The College of Engineering’s K-12 Outreach program is to address the national shortage and fill the gap by engaging students in hands-on and interactive engineering-related experiences; expose young people to the a variety of potential opportunities and careers in engineering; and encourage young people to explore their personal interests in the engineering field. In addition, particular attention is to expose and encourage a diverse population of future engineers. We encourage diversification in gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds, and urban/rural diversity.
Interested in a K-12 camp?
Our programs
Outreach Events
Several events throughout the year open K-12 eyes to Engineering possibilities.
Pre-Engineering Camps
The Summer Pre-Engineering Camps strive to develop and enhance students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills, provide an opportunity for creative expression, and foster students’ curiosity about science and technology.
FIRST Tech Challenge
FIRST gives students the opportunity to develop the "muscle between their ears" and to gain experiences that will affect their future.
Project Lead The Way
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a national program to increase the quality and number of engineers. Read about how Iowa is involved in PLTW.
MESA Tutoring Program
The MESA Tutoring Program is a service for students traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields who request additional support with coursework.
Diversity Networking Reception
The Diversity Networking Reception aims to connect underrepresented (women, ethnic minority, and first-generation) students with companies offering opportunities to enhance their personal and professional development.
Noche de Ciencias
The goal of the Noche de Ciencias Program is to inspire Hispanic youth to pursue STEM degrees and careers.
Girls Who Code
Who Code is a program for 6th to 12th grade girls to explore coding in a fun and friendly way.
SWE High School Conference
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) annual event invites junior and senior high school girls for a weekend conference that allows them to learn about engineering.
Black Girls Do Science
Black Girls Do Science is a one-day program encouraging underrepresented girls in 4th-8th grades to pursue a career in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field.
AIChE Day Camps
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) organization at the University of Iowa holds two annual day camps for children in kindergarten to 5th grade to conduct fun and educational STEM activities.
Candace Carmichael Elementary School Art Exhibit
The exhibit honors the late Candace Carmichael, a long-time art educator in the Iowa City Community School District.
WiSE STEM Extravaganza
Ignite your student’s inner curiosity through fun hands-on activities focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Each activity provides students with a challenge that encourages them to unleash their creativity!