Engineer's Week 2026

Engineering Jam

February 25, 2026

8:30am - 1:00pm

If your district has a one- or two-hour delay on Wednesday, February 25, we will still hold Engineering Jam using a rolling start. Please arrive as soon as you can safely travel, check in at the PLEX Mezzanine, and your team will begin building as soon as you arrive.

To maximize build and test time for everyone, we will shorten the large-group portions of the schedule, make lunch available as a working lunch (students may work through lunch), and run testing and judging on a rolling basis as teams are ready. We expect to depart at approximately 1:00 p.m.

If you expect to arrive late or you will not be able to attend, please email Joe Mahoney (joseph.mahoney@alvernia.edu) and Autumn DeCosmo (Autumn.DeCosmo@alvernia.edu) as soon as possible with your estimated arrival time or updated plans so that we can plan accordingly.

Invitation

Alvernia University and the John R. Post School of Engineering invite you and your grades 6–12 students to our fourth Engineering Jam. This free, one-day event is for students who like to tinker, create, and solve problems and who are curious about what studying engineering in college can be like. Lunch is included.

Please plan to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. The program and challenge will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. and run through 1:00 p.m.

Students will work in teams on a surprise engineering challenge, using materials provided by us. They will sketch ideas, build prototypes, test, troubleshoot, and then show off their designs in a friendly competition. There will be separate middle school and high school brackets, with judging that rewards performance, a clear design process, and creativity. No prior engineering or coding experience is required. An interest in engineering and technology is all they need.

Throughout the day, students will also hear from Alvernia engineering faculty and students about real-world projects, majors, and career paths, allowing them to start envisioning themselves in college and future engineering careers.

Key details for teachers

Grades: 6–12
Cost: Free, with lunch included
Materials: All project materials and tools provided
Experience: No prior engineering or coding experience required
Chaperones: One per ten students, minimum of two per school
Transportation: Van and bus drop off at the building, with parking available afterward
Forms: Each student must complete a permission, liability, and media release form to participate. This will be available online and the link will be emailed when you register

Please register as soon as you know the number of students you plan to bring. If you would like to bring more than 20 students, please contact me prior to registration. Larger groups are very welcome. This step helps us anticipate numbers and ensure that your students have a great experience.

We would be delighted to welcome you and your students to campus for a fast-paced, hands-on day that showcases the fun and engaging aspects of engineering and how Alvernia can help them take the next step toward college and career.

Event Agenda

8:30am -- Check-in at the PLEX Mezzanine

9:00am-9:30am -- Engineering Jam Introduction

9:30am-10:30am -- Engineering Jam Building

10:30am-11:30am -- Engineering Jam Competing and Judging

11:30am-12:00pm -- Presentation

12:00pm-12:30pm -- Lunch

12:30-1:00pm -- Award Presentations

1:00pm -- Depart

Register

Registration is now closed for the event.

All attendees will need to complete a permission slip and media release form prior to arriving. More information will be sent to the corresponding teacher once registered. Please contact joseph.mahoney@alvernia.edu if you have not received an email with the documents.