By Ryleigh Green | Walker Valley High School

On October 24, 2019, students from more than 60 high schools across Tennessee arrived at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville (UTK) to participate in Engineers’ Day. This tradition dates back more than 100 years and allows undergraduate engineering classes to meet with hundreds of potential UTK engineers.

Engineering student clubs and societies had the opportunity to demonstrate what UTK has to offer through various discussions, projects and presentations. High school students who attended the event learned about a variety of engineering topics, including aerodynamics, weight distribution and mechatronics. Both high school and college students also competed in five engineering-related events through the Tech CarniVol Student Association, including RoboRage, Capture the Flag and Rain Garden.

High school students who attended Engineers’ Day learned about the merits of a career in engineering. Walker Valley High School engineering student Jessica Landberg stated of the event, “It showed me different options I’d have going into this field and reminded me of the benefits of being a female going into a career in engineering.”

Students from all over Tennessee learned the value of engineering as a career option through Engineers’ Day. This generations-old tradition gives high school students the chance to explore different aspects of engineering and consider UTK as a postsecondary option, as well as allow college students the opportunity to share their knowledge with their future peers in the engineering field.