Workforce Development

At ACEC Arizona, we are dedicated to cultivating the next generation of engineering talent. We believe in inspiring students, engaging our professional community, and fostering strong connections between education and industry to ensure a robust future for engineering.

Our Commitment to Workforce Development

We are actively involved in addressing the growing concern of declining student interest in engineering fields. Our initiatives focus on making engineering tangible and exciting for young minds, particularly at the middle school level, which we identify as a crucial time to spark interest in STEM careers. We aim to demonstrate the profound impact engineers have on daily life, from the infrastructure that supports our cities to the intricate systems within a stadium.

STEM Game Day: Inspiring Future Engineers

Our signature initiative, "STEM Game Day," is an immersive experience designed to introduce middle school students to the diverse world of engineering. These events are held at major state university stadiums, showcasing how engineering makes a "Game Day" possible.

Students participate in interactive tours where they learn about various engineering disciplines, including:

• Structures 
• Transportation 
• Utility (Mechanical/Electrical)
• Careers 

During these events, professional engineers lead hands-on activities, such as building gumdrop structures to understand load distribution or designing aluminum boats to explore buoyancy. Tour guides also highlight the innovative design and construction elements of the stadiums themselves, connecting engineering concepts to real-world applications.

Our STEM Game Day events have seen significant success:

• In 2023, a pilot event at ASU welcomed approximately 120 students.
• By 2024, the event expanded to all three state universities, reaching over 1,500 students statewide.
• The 2025 events at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University collectively hosted over 1,300 students.

Our ultimate goal for these events is to increase student interest in engineering and inspire them to consider a career in the field. As one 7th-grade student reflected, "It got me thinking a lot about my future. Like, maybe I could be an engineer too someday".

Our Valued Partners

These impactful events are a true community effort, made possible by the generosity and dedication of many partners. We extend our appreciation to:

Universities:

Sponsors and Organizations:

A significant number of volunteer professionals from the industry also contribute their time and expertise, sharing their stories and impact in engineering with the students.

Our Goal: Cultivating Future Engineers

Our overarching goal is to inspire middle school students by exposing them to various engineering disciplines and demonstrating that STEM careers are attainable for everyone. We strive to build strong connections between schools, universities, and industry professionals, creating a sustainable pipeline for future engineers. By showcasing the essential role engineers play in society, we aim to encourage more students to pursue infrastructure-related engineering careers and help rebuild our future workforce.

ACEC Arizona is dedicated to enhancing the engineering workforce by collaborating with other associations to form a workforce development consortium. This initiative aims to consolidate ideas, resources, and strategies for engaging students across various educational stages, from kindergarten through 12th grade, into early college, and continuing support into their professional engineering careers. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of a unified approach to address the declining interest in engineering fields and ensure a robust pipeline of future talent.

The consortium's primary goal is to foster student interest in engineering from an early age, recognizing middle school as a critical period to spark enthusiasm for STEM careers. By partnering with various organizations such as ASCE, APWA, and ITE, the consortium can leverage diverse perspectives and resources to create impactful programs. These partnerships are crucial for shared advocacy, mutual respect, and aligning goals to strengthen the engineering industry's outreach.

Key aspects of the consortium's work include:

• K-12 Student Engagement: Developing initiatives to introduce engineering concepts to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This includes programs that make engineering tangible and exciting, showcasing its relevance to daily life.
• Early College Support: Collaborating with universities and technical colleges to support students pursuing engineering degrees. This involves creating clear pathways for students and educators and highlighting the business aspects of an engineering career.
• Early Career Professional Development: Establishing programs for early-career professionals, including leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The LEAP (Leadership in Engineering Advancement Program) and an "Emerging Leaders" group are examples of initiatives designed to engage young professionals and bridge the gap to principal-level roles. These programs aim to keep LEAP graduates engaged and help them advance in their careers.

This collaborative strategy aims to create a continuous pipeline of talent, ensuring that the engineering industry can attract, prepare, and retain skilled professionals to meet future demands. The ultimate vision is to be recognized as the premier organization that unites all engineering and related agencies, broadening the reach and influence of the profession.