Kirkwood Community College will take part in National Engineers Week from Feb. 22–28, 2026, joining colleges, universities, and employers across the country in recognizing the impact of engineering and technology. The weeklong celebration, one of the largest STEM-focused events in the nation, highlights the role engineers play in solving problems, advancing innovation, and strengthening communities.
At Kirkwood, Engineers Week is also a time to spotlight the students, faculty members, and industry partners who bring that work to life every day. Whether in classrooms, labs, or local workplaces, their efforts demonstrate how technical education translates into meaningful careers and regional growth.
The 2026 theme, “Transform Your Future,” speaks to the power of engineering as a pathway to opportunity. Beyond designing infrastructure or developing new technologies, engineering education can change the trajectory of a student’s life — opening doors to high-demand fields and providing skills that serve communities for years to come.
Kirkwood offers multiple entry points for students interested in engineering and related technologies. Those planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree can enroll in the college’s Engineering transfer program. Coursework in areas such as statics, thermodynamics, electrical science, and materials provides a rigorous academic base, allowing students to transfer smoothly to four-year institutions while saving on tuition costs.
For students eager to enter the workforce more quickly, Kirkwood’s applied technology programs combine theory with extensive hands-on experience. In the Electronics Engineering Technology program — available as an Associate of Applied Science degree or diploma — students work directly with industry-standard technology, including LabView®, to build, analyze, and troubleshoot electronic systems. Graduates leave prepared for careers in fields that rely on precision, innovation, and technical expertise.
The CAD/Mechanical Engineering Technology program, also offered as an AAS degree or diploma, emphasizes product design and development. Students use advanced design software and participate in immersive lab activities that mirror modern manufacturing environments. By the time they graduate, they have experience taking ideas from digital models to tested prototypes.
A strong emphasis on teamwork and real-world application runs through each of these programs. Faculty members draw on industry backgrounds to connect lessons to current workforce needs, and partnerships with local employers help ensure students graduate with relevant, job-ready skills.
Kirkwood also invests in early awareness of engineering careers. Through programs such as Workplace Learning Connection and the ACE Academy, K–12 students gain exposure to STEM pathways, career exploration activities, and hands-on learning experiences that spark interest long before college begins.
Throughout Engineers Week, the college will feature student work, share faculty insights, and highlight the many ways engineering intersects with everyday life. The celebration underscores a simple message: engineering is both practical and creative — and at Kirkwood, it remains accessible, affordable, and closely aligned with the needs of the region.
Learn more about Kirkwood’s engineering and technology programs at www.kirkwood.edu.