All-Akron Student Engineering Program To Host Virtual Closing Ceremony To Honor Participants

SHARE THIS

Akron, Ohio, August 3, 2020— The closing ceremony of the All-Akron Student Engineering Program (AASEP), will be held virtually at noon on Friday, August 7, 2020. The AASEP is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career development project working with juniors and seniors from Akron high schools which is in its fifth year of curriculum. Friday’s virtual ceremony celebrates the conclusion of workshops and other programming which introduced students to engineering leaders and careers and prepared them for summer internships.

The AASEP is one component of the public outreach program of Akron Waterways Renewed! managed by the Akron Public Service Department. Students in the program participated in five Saturday workshops as a part of their preparation to work with one of 22 local companies in the fields of architecture, engineering and planning, construction management and manufacturing. The AASEP Program Director, Jonathan D. Simmons, partnered with Dr. Katrina Halasa, a K-12 Science and Health Learning Specialist for Akron Public Schools, to develop programs that will help AASEP engineering students develop effective workplace skills.

"We whole-heartedly believe that this unique program not only offers Akron students the opportunity to learn more about STEM but also gives them the experience and confidence needed to pursue truly rewarding careers. We're incredibly proud of their hard work and determination and know that these students have a bright future ahead of them," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan.

The AASEP is the only program of its kind that provides high school juniors and seniors with paid internships in northeast Ohio. The program provides Akron high school juniors and seniors opportunities to explore the 3E’s:

Exposure – Exposes students to STEM career fields

Experience – Provides students with valuable work experience

Employment – Provides students with employment opportunities

With the Coronavirus pandemic, the AASEP adapted to make the program safe for students by providing workshops through conference platforms such as Google Hangouts. The AASEP also pivoted to virtual micro-internships to preserve work experience opportunities for the program’s seniors.

The closing ceremony celebrates the contributions, excellence, and potential of students who have participated in the All-Akron Student Engineering Program during the 2019-2020 program year including those preparing to begin the next chapter of their journey as college students.

Participating schools include:

  • Akron Public High Schools: Akron Early College, Buchtel CLC, East CLC, Ellet High School, Firestone CLC, and NIHF STEM High School
  • Other Schools: Archbishop Hoban High School, Copley High School

For more information on the program, or to request to attend the virtual event, please contact Elizabeth Holston of Akron Waterways Renewed at 330-375-2949.  Please also visit the AASEP webpage here: www.akronwaterwaysrenewed.com/community/all-akron-student-engineering-program.aspx.