The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) has long recognized that inspiring the next generation of engineers begins long before a student sets foot in a college classroom. Through a comprehensive suite of outreach programs, AIChE engages high school and undergraduate students in hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world engineering challenges. These initiatives are not only designed to spark curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) but also to build a robust, diverse, and well-prepared workforce that can tackle the complex problems of tomorrow—from sustainable energy and clean water to advanced materials and biotechnology. By providing access to competitions, research experiences, and professional networks, AIChE's outreach efforts serve as a critical bridge between classroom theory and practical application, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and inspiration they need to pursue careers in chemical engineering and related fields.

High School Outreach Programs

AIChE’s high school outreach initiatives are designed to demystify chemical engineering and make STEM concepts tangible and exciting. These programs offer students a chance to collaborate, experiment, and apply their knowledge in creative ways, often with the guidance of practicing engineers and university faculty. Below are some of the flagship programs available to high school students.

Chem-E-Car Competition

The Chem-E-Car Competition is one of AIChE’s most iconic outreach activities. Students are tasked with designing and constructing small, shoe-box-sized cars that are powered and stopped by chemical reactions. Teams must select a safe, reliable chemical reaction to propel the car and a separate “stopping” mechanism—often based on a chemical clock reaction—that halts the vehicle at a predetermined distance. This competition teaches students core engineering principles such as mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, and design optimization, all while fostering teamwork and project management skills. Regional and national competitions are held annually, with winning teams often attracting scholarship opportunities and recognition from industry sponsors. More information about the Chem-E-Car Competition, including rules and registration details, is available on the AIChE Chem-E-Car Competition page.

Engineers Week Activities

Each year during National Engineers Week (E-Week), AIChE chapters across the United States organize interactive workshops, demonstrations, and career fairs aimed at high school students. Volunteers from local universities and industry visit schools to showcase hands-on experiments—such as creating slime to understand polymer properties, building simple electrolysis cells, or simulating oil spill cleanup with absorption materials. These activities are designed to show students that engineering is not just about equations but about creativity, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact on society. E-Week also provides a platform for students to interact with professional engineers, ask questions about career paths, and learn about the diverse opportunities within chemical engineering.

School Outreach Visits

AIChE’s network of over 200 student chapters and 50+ professional sections regularly conduct school outreach visits. During these visits, AIChE members—both undergraduate students and seasoned professionals—deliver interactive presentations, lead hands-on lab demonstrations, and provide one-on-one career advice. Topics can range from the role of chemical engineering in renewable energy to the chemistry behind everyday products like sunscreen or pharmaceuticals. These visits are tailored to match the curriculum and grade level of the class, making them an effective tool for reinforcing STEM concepts taught in school. Schools interested in hosting an AIChE outreach visit can contact their local section or use the AIChE volunteer portal to find resources and coordinators.

National Chemistry Week and Beyond

In partnership with the American Chemical Society (ACS) and other organizations, AIChE participates in National Chemistry Week by coordinating demo booths at science museums, libraries, and public events. These booths feature experiments that illustrate chemical engineering concepts—such as density gradients, pH indicators, and non-Newtonian fluids—in a fun, accessible manner. AIChE also supports “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” and other diversity-focused outreach events, aiming to reduce gender and racial gaps in STEM fields. By exposing students at an earlier age to the excitement of chemical engineering, these programs help build a pipeline of curious, capable young people ready to take on advanced studies.

Undergraduate Outreach Programs

For undergraduate students, AIChE provides a rich ecosystem of programs that support academic excellence, professional growth, and technical leadership. These initiatives go beyond the classroom, offering students opportunities to engage in research, network with industry leaders, participate in technical competitions, and contribute to their communities. The programs listed below represent the core of AIChE’s undergraduate outreach.

AIChE Student Chapters

AIChE student chapters are the backbone of undergraduate involvement. With more than 200 chapters at universities worldwide, these student-run organizations provide a platform for members to organize seminars, industry plant tours, community service projects, and social events. Chapters often host guest lectures from alumni and professionals working in sectors like pharmaceuticals, energy, consumer goods, and environmental engineering. Many chapters also participate in the “K-12 Outreach” program, where undergraduate members visit local schools to mentor high school students—creating a continuous cycle of engagement. Joining a student chapter is one of the most effective ways for undergraduates to build leadership skills, expand their professional network, and gain practical experience. Students can find and connect with their local chapter through the AIChE Student Chapter Directory.

Undergraduate Research and Internships

AIChE actively encourages undergraduates to participate in research through grants, co-op programs, and internship matching services. The AIChE Foundation offers several competitive awards, such as the AIChE Undergraduate Student Research Award, which provides funding for students to conduct independent projects under faculty mentorship. Additionally, through the AIChE Career Discovery Series, students gain access to virtual internships, company-provided research challenges, and mentorship from practicing engineers. These experiences are invaluable for developing technical proficiency, critical thinking, and communication skills. Many students who complete research internships go on to present their findings at AIChE conferences, further enhancing their resumes and graduate school applications.

Conferences and Competitions

The annual AIChE Annual Meeting and the AIChE Spring Meeting are premier events where undergraduate students can present research, attend technical sessions, and network with thousands of professionals. At the Annual Meeting, the Undergraduate Student Poster Competition allows students to showcase their work in a competitive yet supportive environment, with prizes awarded for technical merit and presentation clarity. AIChE also hosts the Chem-E-Car Competition at the collegiate level, where university teams build larger, more sophisticated cars that compete at regional and national events. Other competitions include the Student Design Competition, where teams solve a real-world chemical engineering problems, and the Safety & Chemical Engineering Education (S&CE) Competition, which emphasizes process safety concepts. Participation in these events builds confidence, teamwork, and recognition that can open doors to scholarships and job offers.

Professional Development Programs

Beyond conferences, AIChE offers a suite of professional development resources tailored to undergraduates. The AIChE Leadership Development Series includes free webinars on resume writing, interview skills, technical communication, and ethical decision-making. The AIChE Mentorship Program pairs undergraduates with experienced mentors from industry or academia for a year-long relationship. There are also specialized programs for women in engineering (such as the Women in Chemical Engineering (WIC) Mentoring Circle) and for members of underrepresented groups, including those from the AIChE Minority Affairs Committee. These initiatives help students transition smoothly from academic settings into professional careers while building a supportive community.

Broader Impact and Goals of AIChE Outreach

AIChE’s outreach programs are driven by a set of overarching goals: increasing diversity within the chemical engineering profession, inspiring students from all backgrounds to pursue STEM careers, and preparing them for leadership roles in an ever-evolving industry. The impact of these efforts is measurable. For example, the Chem-E-Car Competition alone reaches thousands of high school and undergraduate students each year, with over 200 teams participating at the university level. Surveys conducted by AIChE indicate that participants in these programs are significantly more likely to pursue a chemical engineering degree and to remain in the field after graduation.

Diversity is a key focus. AIChE’s Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness (IDEA) works closely with outreach committees to ensure programs are accessible to students from underrepresented groups, including those from low-income backgrounds, rural areas, and minority communities. Programs such as the Scholars for Chemical Engineering (SChE) Program provide financial support and mentoring for underrepresented undergraduates. Additionally, AIChE partners with organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) to co-host outreach events and share best practices.

Another critical goal is to align student skills with industry needs. Chemical engineering is increasingly cross-disciplinary, touching areas like data science, synthetic biology, and renewable materials. AIChE’s outreach programs incorporate emerging topics—such as the role of AI in process optimization or the challenges of carbon capture—to ensure students are aware of future trends. By exposing students to these topics early, AIChE helps close the skills gap and prepares a workforce that can innovate responsibly.

How to Get Involved

AIChE outreach programs rely on the active participation of students, educators, and industry professionals. Here are ways to get involved:

  • For High School Students: Check with your local AIChE section (find it via the AIChE Local Section Map) for upcoming Chem-E-Car workshops, E-Week events, or mentorship opportunities. You can also start a STEM club at your school and invite an AIChE volunteer to speak.
  • For Undergraduate Students: Join or start an AIChE student chapter on your campus. Actively participate in competitions, apply for research grants, and attend the Annual Meeting. Access the student chapter resources for guidance.
  • For Teachers and Guidance Counselors: Request an AIChE school visit by contacting the AIChE Volunteer Helpline or using the outreach request form. AIChE provides pre-packaged experiment kits and lesson plans aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
  • For Industry Professionals: Volunteer as a competition judge, speaker, or mentor. The AIChE Volunteer Hub offers opportunities to serve on outreach committees. Consider sponsoring a Chem-E-Car team or offering internships.

Conclusion: Building the Future of Chemical Engineering

AIChE’s outreach programs for high school and undergraduate students are more than just extracurricular activities—they are strategic investments in the future of the profession. By providing early exposure, hands-on challenges, and professional connections, AIChE ensures that the next generation of chemical engineers is not only technically proficient but also diverse, creative, and prepared to lead. Whether a student is just discovering what an engineer does or already envisioning a career in pharmaceuticals or sustainable energy, AIChE offers a path. To learn more about all available programs and to register for upcoming events, visit the official AIChE Outreach Programs page. The future of chemical engineering is bright—and it starts with outreach.