STEP - Students
in Technology & Engineering at Packer - In 2003, the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DECCA) approved
partial funding for the second of a two-year pilot program coined
"STEP". With the support of Packer Engineering, the
Packer Foundation, and Western Suburb businesses and schools,
fourteen high school and community-college students were selected
to participate in the STEP program over the summer. Represented
schools included Waubonsee Community College, College of DuPage,
Naperville North, Naperville Central, and West Aurora High School.
Led by local high school science teachers, these young men and
women explored the world of engineering through academic instruction,
case studies, field trips, hands-on labs, design projects, and
through direct contact with engineers and technicians at Packer
Engineering. These students are paid interns - positions usually
available only to advanced college students well into their
fields.
Various fields of engineering that were explored included aviation,
transportation, mechanical, design failure and analysis, fire
and chemical, electrical, and material science. Other areas
of focus included professional growth, leadership, communication,
and business strategies. These fourteen students have the opportunity
to return during the summer of 2004 to work with different local
businesses or industries and contribute their skills while continuing
to grow in their understanding of the engineering field. During
that same time, a new group of selected STEP interns will hopefully
participate in their first year at Packer Engineering.
