DuBOIS, Pa. — High school students from the region recently gathered at Penn State DuBois to participate in Discover Engineering Day, an event designed to introduce them to the vast opportunities available within the engineering field.

The event, which was a collaborative effort of the Penn State Engineering Ambassadors Program and students, faculty and staff from Penn State DuBois, aimed to inspire more than 115 students by providing hands-on experiences and insights into the engineering profession. Students had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, learning about the practical and creative aspects of engineering beyond the traditional focus on science and math.

Maddy Kinevy, an aerospace engineering student, shared her hopes for the students.

"I hope they take away the understanding that engineering is more than just math and science. It’s about problem-solving and making a real impact on the world," Kinevy said. "Even if they don’t choose engineering, the critical thinking skills they learned will help them in any career."

The event began with an introduction from both the engineering ambassadors and representatives from Penn State DuBois. Students were then divided into groups and participated in a series of engineering challenges led by the ambassadors. Each group worked through hands-on projects, applying engineering principles to solve problems and design solutions.

During one of the activities, students learned to code and operate robots, which proved to be both a challenge and a highlight of the day.

"At first, they were hesitant about coding, but once they got started, they were really excited," said Mahi Mallina, an industrial engineering student. "It showed them that engineering isn’t a straight line. You'll have setbacks, but persistence pays off."

After a lunch break, students gathered for a panel discussion on college life. Engineering students from Penn State shared their personal experiences, offering advice and answering questions about what it’s like to study engineering. Siya Sehgal, also an industrial engineering student, noted that the students were especially motivated to work in teams and improve their designs.

"They were really invested in creating something great. It wasn’t just about winning," said Sehgal. "It was about improving and learning throughout the process."

The day concluded with a campus tour, guided by the Penn State DuBois Lion Ambassadors, where students had the chance to explore engineering labs and other campus facilities.

The event was a success in showcasing the diversity of paths within engineering and providing students with a hands-on experience that highlighted the field's impact on the world.