Illinois Universities Recruit Engineering Students at Chicago Auto Show

Three state schools aim to attract college-bound students to auto engineering programs.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Three Illinois universities - Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois Chicago, and University of Illinois - are using the Chicago Auto Show as a recruiting ground to attract more students to their engineering programs. The schools are showcasing student-built vehicles, including a 75 mph car from NIU and a solar-powered car from the University of Illinois, to demonstrate the real-world applications of an engineering degree and the high demand for those skills in the auto industry.

Why it matters

With engineers in high demand across the auto industry, these universities are hoping to capitalize on the excitement and interest generated by the Auto Show to build their future talent pipelines and fill the need for skilled engineers.

The details

The universities are creating an interactive experience for attendees, allowing them to see the vehicles built by engineering students and learn more about the programs. This includes a 75 mph car built by NIU students that will compete in the Pittsburgh Shootout this summer, as well as a solar-powered car from the University of Illinois that recently won first place at a Grand Prix event in Kentucky.

  • The Chicago Auto Show is taking place from February 9-18, 2026.
  • The NIU car will compete at the Pittsburgh Shootout this summer.

The players

Northern Illinois University

A public university located in DeKalb, Illinois, known for its engineering program.

University of Illinois Chicago

A public research university located in Chicago, Illinois, with a strong engineering school.

University of Illinois

The flagship public university system of Illinois, with campuses across the state, including a renowned engineering program.

Society of Automotive Engineers

A professional organization focused on advancing the engineering profession in the automotive industry.

Dorian Wike

An engineering student at Northern Illinois University who is passionate about the intersection of engineering and automobiles.

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What they’re saying

“If they see the application of engineering through motor sports, maybe they become more interested in pursuing this through their college career.”

— Sabine Ramirez, University of Illinois Chicago engineering student (abc7chicago.com)

“I think the thing that interests me the most about engineering is the process of seeing it start as nothing, and get formed and see it made in the real world.”

— Dorian Wike, Northern Illinois University engineering student (abc7chicago.com)

“Everybody's trying to get more engineers. From universities to work out in industry, there's just a huge demand for that.”

— Dave Grewell, Dean of Engineering College, Northern Illinois University (abc7chicago.com)

“As the cost of solar panels comes down, I hope solar cars can become mainstream on our roads.”

— Connor Magnuson, University of Illinois engineering student (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

The NIU car will compete at the Pittsburgh Shootout this summer, showcasing the engineering skills of the students who built it.

The takeaway

These universities are tapping into the excitement and interest generated by the Chicago Auto Show to attract the next generation of engineering talent, highlighting the real-world applications of an engineering degree and the high demand for those skills in the auto industry.