CISTEME365 College & Career Readiness Seminar Series

The CISTEME365 initiative provides opportunities for out-of-school STEM enrichment through STEM clubs and summer programs thanks to an I-TEST grant from the National Science Foundation. Teams of teachers and counselors from participating schools work together to create an environment and provide the structures necessary to increase equity of access and inclusion to STEM fields. This seminar series offers teachers, counselors, students, and families in the CISTEME365-networked schools (and beyond) with information useful for making college and career decisions, particularly from a Grainger College of Engineering perspective. Join us each month for a new edition to this series.

All recordings are available below.

Voices from Science & Engineering Industry Partners

A panel of Fortune 1000 companies and startups provide an introduction to what they are looking for from future engineers, their college and career advice based on experience, and the types of opportunities offered by their companies to provide enrichment and experience. Come with your questions for this town-hall style discussion. Panelists include representatives from

      • Michael Bennet, Director of Student Experiential Learning Programs at Discovery Partners Institute
      • Joshua Nelson, Global Program Manager, DEI & Special Projects at Motorola Solutions
      • Richard Nelson, Engineering DEI Champion at Motorola Solutions
      • Ursula Towne, Engineer & Team Lead at Caterpillar
      • Michael Gillin, Vice President of Nuclear Engineering at Exelon

Watch the recorded July 23, 2021 presentation of Voices from Science & Engineering Industry Partners

Explore Grainger Engineering Majors & Minors

Kortney Jones, Assistant Director of New Student Programs in the Grainger College of Engineering, takes us through the variety of engineering degree options students can pursue with Grainger, as well as answering your questions. Learn about the new tools available to help students identify engineering options that fit their interests.

Watch the recorded September 15, 2021 presentation of Explore Grainger Engineering Majors & Minors

Pathways to STEM Degrees

Join University of Illinois staff and students in a discussion of multiple pathways toward earning a STEM degree, especially in engineering. Learn more about the Engineering Pathways program, the ARISE program, and the Grainger First-Year Experience (GFX) and GFX Scholar programs that offer many layers of opportunity and support as students begin the pursuit of STEM degrees. If you are a high school student, parent, or educator, we hope you will tune in to learn more about the types of options available to meet the wide variety of students who will be the innovators, designers, builders, and makers of tomorrow.

Watch the October 7th, 2020 presentation on Pathways to STEM Degrees.

Engineering Careers & Internship Opportunities

Get the scoop regarding trends in engineering careers and steps you can take to be a strong candidate for employment when the time comes. The University of Illinois Engineering Career Services Center provides students with a one-stop-shop for resume and interview preparation, access to summer and school year internships, professional mentoring, and career fairs. Being in close contact with employers means that they have a good idea of what your future employers might be looking for. Be sure to bring your questions!

Watch the recorded December 9, 2020 presentation of Engineering Careers and Internship Opportunities 

Summer STEM Opportunities

This is the time of year when top-notch summer opportunities for STEM camps, research opportunities, classes, and more begin to accept applications for Summer 2021. Even though it can be hard to even think that far ahead when it is freezing cold outside, these events fill up fast! If you are a part of CISTEME365 STEM Clubs (and even if you aren’t), there are many opportunities for scholarships, and STEM during the summer months looks great on college applications. Come and hear about multiple opportunities this summer and find out how to apply. Panelists include:

Watch the recorded January 27, 2021 presentation of Summer STEM Opportunities

We’re In This Together: Student Organizations and Support Systems

Did you know that universities go out of their way to provide opportunities for you to meet people who have similar interests and experiences? Join leaders of University of Illinois student organizations, as well as the Women in Engineering and Morrill Engineering Programs to start building some of those relationships. Hear from them some of their best advice for pre-college steps toward STEM majors and careers.

Watch the recorded February 18, 2021 presentation of We’re In This Together!

Getting to Know the Many Flavors of Engineering

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 (4:30-5:30pm CT)

Get to know the different engineering majors and departments available at the University of Illinois, and how to start preparing for college applications. A great way to explore the engineering majors is to attend the University of Illinois Engineering Open House (EOH). Over 100 years old, EOH is a fully student-led event with research exhibits, demonstrations, and many opportunities to explore the wide variety of opportunities that fall under the category of engineering. This year’s program will be fully virtual, allowing many more to attend than ever before. Come and learn more about what you can expect from this March 26-27 event.

Watch the March 10th presentation on Getting to Know the Many Flavors of Engineering