Rockford Students Explore Engineering Careers at Upcoming Event

Rock Valley College hosts 'Engineering the Future' to connect students with employers and educators.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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High school students in the Rockford area will have the opportunity to learn about engineering careers and educational opportunities at an upcoming event hosted by Rock Valley College. The 'Engineering the Future' event will feature a career expo, a panel discussion with local business leaders, and tours of the college's facilities.

Why it matters

Exposing students to potential engineering careers and educational paths can help build the future workforce in the Rockford region, which is home to a variety of manufacturing and technology companies that rely on skilled engineers.

The details

The 'Engineering the Future' event will take place on February 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rock Valley College. Students will be able to meet one-on-one with company representatives to learn about engineering roles, internships, and workforce needs. A panel discussion featuring local and regional business leaders will follow, providing insight into career preparation and the skills employers are seeking. The afternoon will include additional expo time and guided tours of the college's facilities.

  • The 'Engineering the Future' event is scheduled for February 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • The one-on-one career expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • The panel discussion with business leaders is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

The players

Rock Valley College

A community college located in Rockford, Illinois that is hosting the 'Engineering the Future' event to connect students with engineering careers and educational opportunities.

David Grewell

The Dean of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) at Northern Illinois University, who will moderate the panel discussion at the event.

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What’s next

Registration is required for the 'Engineering the Future' event, and space is limited. Individual students can register at go.niu.edu/EngineeringtheFuture2026, and school groups can register at go.niu.edu/ETF2026.

The takeaway

The 'Engineering the Future' event provides a valuable opportunity for Rockford-area high school students to explore engineering careers and educational pathways, helping to build the future workforce in the region's manufacturing and technology sectors.