Southworks Engineering and Robotics returns to GovState
From Staff Reports
With a shared goal to inspire the next generation to pursue a career in manufacturing and STEM, Governors State University’s (GovState) School of Extended Learning (SXL) partnered with Southworks for another year in a row to kick off the engineering and robotics program, powered by Amazon.
On February 12, GovState will facilitate a Robotics Showcase and Practice on campus where teams of high school students will present their robots, participate in workshops, and receive feedback from educators and manufacturing professors.
The showcase follows the 7th annual Southworks engineering and robotics meet and greet from early in the year, where over 200 high school students from 17 schools gathered for engaging roundtable discussions about possible career pathways and the skills needed for the evolving manufacturing field.
“Events like GovState's Meet and Greet are invaluable because they bridge the gap between high school students and local employers, opening doors to career opportunities right in their own communities,” said Craig Schmidt, Executive Director of SXL. “By connecting young talent with industry leaders, we empower the next generation with the knowledge, resources, and networks needed to build successful futures.”
Those interested in manufacturing and STEM may find themselves pursuing careers as mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, computer programmers, or statisticians amongst other pathways.
Taking the Southworks program to the next level, the 7th Annual Engineering & Robotics Competition Olympics brings teams head-to-head in various activities, like Maze Runner, Catapult, SUMO, and Pathfinder challenges.
“GovState is proud to support the upcoming high school robotics and drone competitions, where innovation, creativity, and technical skills take center stage,” said Schmidt. “These events inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and engineers, providing hands-on experience that prepares students for the evolving workforce. By fostering STEM education and real-world applications, we’re investing in the future of our community and its young talent.”