WWorkforce Development Committee

You Can’t Have a GameDay Without Engineers: Inside ACEC-AZ’s STEM Gameday Revolution Three years ago, a conversation about workforce challenges turned into a movement that’s inspiring the next generation of engineers in Arizona. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Arizona (ACEC-AZ) has transformed a simple idea—introducing students to engineering in a way they’ll never forget—into an annual spectacle known as STEM Gameday. And it’s all happening at some of the state’s most iconic football stadiums. From Problem to Playbook In 2022, the ACEC-AZ board came together with a growing concern: engineering graduates weren’t arriving in the workforce with the necessary skills, and enrollment in state engineering programs was on the decline. The board had no formal workforce development committee at the time, but the urgency was clear. It was during the annual Roads and Streets Conference that the seed was planted. After gathering leaders from Arizona’s three major universities to discuss solutions, a consensus emerged: reach students earlier—specifically in middle school, before they make critical course decisions in math and science. By ninth grade, it's often too late to connect with the students is a common theme Nicolai Oliden, chair of ACEC-AZ’s Workforce Development and Education Outreach Committee, had heard many times. “We knew we had to catch their interest while they were still open to shaping their path.” Then came the breakthrough: what if students could learn about engineering not from a textbook, but from the place where it comes to life—a stadium? Stadiums: The Ultimate Classroom In Spring 2023, the first STEM Gameday event launched at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium with 120 middle schoolers in attendance. The concept was simple but powerful: use the stadium as a hands-on classroom to explore real-world applications of engineering. From transportation infrastructure to structural design and utility systems, the stadium showcased it all—within just a few steps. “Our message was simple,” said former ACEC-AZ chairman Greg Haggerty, a key visionary behind the event. “You can’t have a GameDay without engineers.” The inaugural event was a success, and it proved the concept worked. Students left with a new appreciation for engineering—and many for the first time saw it as a possible career path. Scaling Up: 10X the Impact Inspired by that success, ACEC-AZ made a bold move: scale the event tenfold. Oliden stepped into the leadership role, admittedly “a bit naïve” about the challenge, but driven by Haggerty’s passion. By 2024, the event was held across all three state universities, with more than 1,500 students participating—1,200 at ASU alone. In 2025, organizers refined the format, capping attendance to create a more impactful experience, with around 600 students per university and 200 volunteers statewide. “We’re building momentum here in Arizona,” said Oliden. “It’s not just about the kids—it’s about creating a community of professionals, students, and volunteers who are proud to shape the future.” Behind the Scenes: Partnerships, Funding, and Outreach Pulling off events at major stadiums is no small feat. ACEC-AZ leaned heavily into its network, eventually connecting with stadium managers, who proved to be pivotal contacts. Funding came from a mix of grants and generous sponsorships from member firms, local societies like ASCE, WTS, and SAME, and critical public partners like ADOT and MCDOT. There are costs associated to hosting these events, which were covered using donations by several generous sponsors including stadium rentals, materials, food, and volunteer shirts. Investments were made in reusable equipment, which will help reduce future costs. On the volunteer side, the response has been overwhelming. Not only have engineering professionals come out in force, but university student groups have also stepped up, creating a unique peer-to-peer dynamic that resonates with younger students. “It’s incredible watching a middle schooler connect with a college student who’s just a few years ahead of them, and then the college student network with a professional in the industry.” said Oliden. Building on Success: What’s Next? With a winning model now in place, ACEC-AZ is looking to expand its workforce initiatives. The organization has operated for over 25 years the Leadership in Engineering Administration Program (LEAP), aimed at fostering deeper industry engagement and leadership development. Current LEAP students and past graduates are invited to participate in the events which not only helps with volunteers, but also gives them the opportunity to utilize their LEAP leadership tools. And for other ACEC chapters or organizations looking to replicate the event? “Just try it,” Oliden said. “Start with 100 kids. One school. It’s doable. And we have volunteers ready to guide you every step of the way.” A New Tradition in the Making STEM Gameday is more than an event—it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that real-world inspiration can’t always be found in a classroom, but sometimes in the roar of a stadium where the unseen hand of engineers makes the magic happen. With growing momentum, deeper industry collaboration, and a renewed focus on future talent, ACEC-AZ is proving that with the right vision, “game-changing” isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a mission.