Each Fall and Spring term, the e-squared program connects volunteer engineers with grade, middle, and high school classrooms across Illinois.

Through a short presentation and a hands-on engineering activity, students learn what engineers do, how engineering impacts everyday life, and the many pathways available within the profession. Whether you’re a school looking to host a visit or an engineer interested in inspiring future problem-solvers, participation is simple.

Apply below to get started.

Inspire the next generation through hands-on engineering. 
e-squared volunteers don’t just talk about engineering, they lead students through an age-appropriate engineering activity that demonstrates how engineers think, problem-solve, and design solutions. You’ll share your career story, but your primary role is to facilitate an interactive lesson tailored to the grade level you’re visiting.

What to Expect:

• Visits last approximately one hour and begin with a short introduction from the volunteer
• Access to the Volunteer Toolkit which contains an Activity Library, an e-squared slide deck, and other resources to prepare you for your visit
• All materials are paid for and shipped directly to the volunteer
• Classroom visits take place during designated two-week outreach periods each Fall and Spring

How it Works:

• Volunteer applications are accepted year-round, and you only need to apply once
• When classroom visit opportunities become available each Fall and Spring, volunteers can browse and select the classroom visit(s) that works best for their location and schedule
• After signing-up for a classroom visit, the e-squared Team will introduce you to your school contact so you can coordinate final visit details

If you’re interested in volunteering at a Chicago Public School (CPS), get a head start and complete their additional registration and online training process. Instruction can be found here.

If you’ have a classroom activity you want to share with the e-squared Team, please submit it here.

Bring engineering to life in your classroom.
Our volunteer engineers are excited to visit classrooms and introduce students to the possibilities of engineering through career exploration and a hands-on activity.

Program Details:

• Programs are available for grade school, middle school, and high school classrooms
• Visits are approximately one hour and held in-person at your school 
• Each classroom visit can accommodate up to 30 students
• Activities are designed to be engaging, educational, and appropriate for the student’s grade level

How it Works:

• Schools submit a classroom visit request for the upcoming Fall or Spring outreach period
• Requests are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once program capacity is reached
• Volunteers browse available classroom visit requests and select visits based on their location and availability
• Once a volunteer selects your classroom, the e-squared Team will introduce you by email so you can coordinate final visit details