STEP
The STEP program, funded by the Packer Foundation 
Center for Applications Based Learning and Packer Engineering Inc., is designed for students who are considering engineering or engineering technology as a career.
STEP is open only to students at:
- East Aurora High School
- Naperville North and Naperville Central High Schools
- Waubonsie Valley and Neuqua Valley High Schools
- West Aurora High School
- Waubonsee Community College
- College of DuPage
The STEP program provides a full-time paid summer work experience at Packer Engineering for six weeks during the summer. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning under the direction of experienced mentors.
Daily seminars and hands-on projects are led by certified teachers in science, mathematics, communication, leadership and workplace skills. The summer program includes guest speakers and field trips to area industrial sites and laboratories. Transportation to the workplace is the responsibility of students and their parents.
Students who apply for this program should have:
- strong mathematics aptitude
- an interest in “what makes things work”
- good interpersonal skills
Minority and female students are especially encouraged to apply.
