Purdue University Northwest presents career possibilities in STEM for area high schoolers

PNW students demonstrate different hands-on activities typically featured through the university’s STEM on the Road outreach initiative at the fall 2025 AI, Cybersecurity, and STEM Discovery Day.

Over 200 area high school students were immersed in the fundamentals and real-world applications of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity robotics and more through Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) annual “AI, Cybersecurity, and STEM Discovery Day” event in December 2025.

The hands-on learning opportunity was presented by PNW’s colleges of Engineering and Sciences and Technology in partnership with One Region, Inc. and Salesforce to illuminate young learners on the different possibilities for various technological advancements in STEM fields and how they can prepare for careers that will be impacted by these technologies.

We want students to experience these fields with hands-on activities, in real labs, alongside the people studying and building these technologies every day.

Grace Yang, chair of PNW’s department of Computer Science

Guided by PNW students and faculty and staff members, visiting high school students rotated through classroom and lab spaces in PNW’s Classroom Office Building, Donald S. Powers Computing Education Building and Audrey A. Potter Lab Building. Demonstrations and activities showcased cybersecurity exercises, robotics and mechatronics, and robot-human interaction. Student organizations, such as Society of Automotive Engineers Formula 1 Racing, Quantum Leap and Women in Information Technology, also shared more about how extracurricular opportunities enhance applied learning.

Visiting high school students work on an exercise under the guidance of PNW students during the fall 2025 AI, Cybersecurity, and STEM Discovery Day.

“AI, cybersecurity and robotics are already reshaping how we live and work,” said Grace Yang, chair of PNW’s department of Computer Science. “We want students to experience these fields with hands-on activities, in real labs, alongside the people studying and building these technologies every day. Events like PNW’s AI, Cybersecurity, and STEM Discovery Day can spark curiosity, build confidence and help students see clear pathways into high-demand STEM careers in our region.”

Visiting high school students represented over 15 different schools from Lake, La Porte and Porter counties in Indiana and Cook County, Illinois.