Día de Ciencias × Equipando Padres
Spring 2026 — UIC SHPE × Northwestern SHPE
Event Highlights
STEM Workshop Activity
Families at the Event
Lunch
Equipando Padres Panel
Resource Expo Tables
Hands-on STEM Fun
About the Event
Co-hosted by UIC SHPE × Northwestern SHPE
In collaboration with SHPE | Wilbur Wright × SHPE | NIU × SHPE | DePaul
What is Día de Ciencias?
Día de Ciencias is a chapter-level extension of SHPE's national Noche de Ciencias™ program — a STEM family event designed to introduce the possibilities of STEM to K–12 students and their families. The program engages and inspires students from Hispanic and Latino communities to explore STEM degrees and careers through interactive activities, networking, and bilingual workshops.
What is Equipando Padres?
Equipando Padres is a national SHPE initiative designed to equip parents and guardians of first-generation Hispanic students with essential tools, resources, and knowledge — covering topics from college access and financial aid to understanding university life and mental wellness — positioning families as integral contributors to their student's journey.
Why This Event Matters
For Students
Spark curiosity. Build STEM identity. Let every kid in the room see themselves as the engineer of tomorrow.
For Parents
Empower caregivers to navigate financial aid, resources, and insecurities. Your family's future in STEM starts here.
For Partners
Connect with future engineers, a diverse talent pipeline, and engaged Latino families in the Chicago metro.
Day-of Schedule
9:45 – 10:15 AM
Check-In + Light Breakfast
Everyone10:15 – 11:00 AM
Welcome Celebration & Opening Remarks
Everyone11:00 AM – 1:50 PM
K–8 STEM Workshops (3 rotating sessions)
K–8 Students11:00 AM – 1:50 PM
High School Social Innovation Competition
9th–12th Graders11:00 AM – 1:50 PM
Equipando Padres — Presentations & Panel
Parents & Guardians2:00 – 3:00 PM
Lunch + Competition Winner Announcement
Everyone3:00 – 3:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Everyone3:30 – 4:00 PM
Resource Expo
Everyone4:00 – 5:00 PM
Northwestern Campus Tours
EveryoneWhat to Expect
Student Track
- Hands-on STEM workshops led by industry engineers from Abbott, CEC, and more
- Robotics, civil engineering, and interactive science activities for K–8
- High School Social Innovation Competition in partnership with JA Chicago
- Teams of 4–5 students tackle a real-world societal issue and present solutions
Parent Track
- Bilingual presentations on college access and application timelines
- FAFSA walkthrough, scholarships, and financial aid guidance
- What engineering careers look like — salary ranges and career trajectories
- Expert panel Q&A with STEM professionals and university representatives
Resource Expo
- Connect with UIC and Northwestern admissions offices
- Community organizations and support resources for first-gen students
- Company partners sharing career opportunities and internships
- Concurrent Northwestern campus tours
Getting There
Northwestern University Technological Institute
2145 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60208
By Transit
CTA Purple Line — Noyes Station (walkable to venue)
By Car
Noyes/Haven/Sheridan Parking — Evanston, IL
Parking
Free parking available on-site
Register Your Family Today
Registration Deadline: April 17, 2026
Questions? Reach out to us:
outreach.shpe.uic@gmail.com