CPS Students Spend Their Summer With Hands on STEM Training and Experience

On July 9th, the 6 of the 17 Paschen Scholars will begin their summer portion of their internship with F.H. Paschen at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). The internship offers real world STEM education at the collegiate level. The Paschen Engineering Scholars Program includes hands-on activities that allow the Scholars to develop technical skills, build problem-solving abilities and gain real world work experience. The summer program runs for two weeks, Monday through Thursday, and is paid for by F.H. Paschen as part of their ongoing commitment to the Scholars Program.

IIT Details:
Illinois Institute of Technology
Main Campus, John T. Rettaliata Engineering Center
10 W 32nd Street, Chicago Il 60616

Week 1:
July 9- 12 / 10AM – 3PM / “Introduction to the World of Engineering”
In the first week, students will learn what biomedical, chemical, electrical, mechanical, civil and environmental engineers do in their jobs through speakers and hands-on activities. Students will use Arduinos and 3D printers will explore areas of engineering in greater depth and see how math and science provides a basis for technology innovation.

Week 2:
July 16-19 / 10AM – 3PM / “Introduction to the World of Engineering: Fabrication Studio”
In the second week, students can apply their skills and explore several design and fabrication techniques. The fundamentals of CAD software will be covered with an emphasis on producing functional components. Students will have the opportunity to use basic shop tools as well as laser cutters and 3D printers to complete their projects.

About the F.H. Paschen Scholars:
In 2015 F.H. Paschen partnered with George Westinghouse College Prep (GWCP), a CPS selective enrollment high school in East Garfield Park, to support the school in developing a new engineering academy to improve students’ knowledge of and access to career opportunities in fields such as engineering and construction. This partnership resulted in the Paschen Engineering Scholars Program, which goes way beyond an average internship. Three years of STEM curriculum, summer internships, exposure to college engineering programs, construction site visits, classroom-to-site applications, and one-on-one support ensure students have the opportunity to seek the STEM career of his or her dreams with confidence. To apply, students must first complete a group project and then participate in interviews with leaders from F.H. Paschen.

“At Paschen a key core value is for us to seek and provide opportunities for all. Our affiliation with GWCP provides Paschen with a way to invest in our community by providing a great opportunity for young people,” said Chuck Freiheit, Chief Operating Officer of F.H. Paschen.

“This program offers a hands-on approach to STEM education through hundreds of hours working on real-world projects throughout our city and in our scholars’ neighborhoods, which will ultimately prepare them to become the next great engineer, architect or construction manager.”

Other Summer B-ROLL Opportunities:
Monday, July 9th:
Introduction to Paschen’s extensive safety and quality program. (Paschen Main Office)

Wednesday, July 11th:
Scholars given a budget to plan & construct a personal shelter. (Paschen Main Office)

Friday, July 13th:
Scholars will be taken to job sites to meet with project staff and get on-site experience. (Paschen Projects around Chicago)

Wednesday, July 18th:
Visit to O’Hare International Airport to receive more jobsite experience on runway expansion. (O’hare)

Friday, July 27th:
Final presentations of personal shelters to F.H. Paschen employees & staff. (Paschen Main Office)

Possible Interview:
Howard Tullman, Executive Director of the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship – July 17th from 10-11:30 at IIT.

Antonia Winfrey, F.H. Paschen Project Manager, Scholars Program Manager

Chuck Freiheit, F.H. Paschen Chief Operations Officer