TOLEDO, Ohio, February 23, 2026 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, is set to host a dozen students from Whitmer and Port Clinton high schools on Tuesday, February 24, as part of the nationwide Engineers Week. Focused on promoting entry into the engineering profession, Engineers Week takes place from February 22-28, 2026, and aims to inspire interest in engineering and technology careers and address the STEM talent shortage.
During their visit to SSOE’s world headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, students will engage in the “Engineer for a Day” program from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST. The day begins with a luncheon at The University of Toledo College of Engineering, followed by hands-on activities at SSOE. Students will delve into various engineering disciplines, participate in team-building exercises, and discover the journey to becoming an engineer, all while envisioning a potential future with SSOE.
Mike Alek, Director of Talent Acquisition at SSOE, will kick off the event with opening remarks. Next, Electrical Section Managers Zulema Lopez, PE, and Alex Kruger, PE will lead a session with Electrical Department Manager Brian Arend, PE, LEED AP, titled “Let’s Build a Motor,” demonstrating the principles of electromagnetism and the motor effect.
The program will then proceed with an overview of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), presented by Lauren Collier, Associate AIA, Director of AI and Innovation Technology, and Mark LaBell, VDC Practice Group Lead. Students will engage in a LEGO exercise to understand the benefits of VDC, comparing traditional 2D building methods with 3D models using virtual reality.
The day will conclude with the activity, “Construct a Building Frame,” led by Structural Section Manager Mary Jo Szczublewski, PE; Structural Engineer Jerryn Farr; and Structural Co-op Andrew Williamson. Students will work in groups to build structures using household items that will then be tested for stability in a faux seismic test.
Additionally, students will learn about SSOE’s Student Co-op / Internship Program, which offers college students valuable work experience, competitive wages, and college credits. Over the past five years, SSOE has transitioned hundreds of interns into full-time positions across the U.S.