Redevelopment of Norris University Center’s East Lawn to begin this summer
April 5, 2024
EVANSTON - Northwestern University faculty, staff and volunteers will teach children how to measure the seismic signals of an earthquake, how artificial limbs work and how to ace a job interview during the 24th annual Take Our Children to Work Day on Thursday, April 26.
An anticipated 450 children are expected to try out 30 different tour tracks on the Chicago and Evanston campuses. Each track is comprised of three morning workshops built around a STEM curriculum, combining science, technology, engineering and math with fun.
Online registration opened March 21 at 8 a.m. and closes when spots are full. Early registration is recommended.
Participation is free and open to children ages 8 through 16, who are relatives or friends of Northwestern faculty and staff.
Northwestern’s Take Our Children to Work Day is part of a national public-education program designed for children to explore a variety of workplace roles.
This year’s theme, “Service Force: Agents of Positive Change,” explores how young people can work with family, friends, teachers and peers to create positive changes that make the future brighter for everyone.
Tour tracks planned for the Evanston campus include “Fight Back: Physical Self-Defense and Empowerment,” a lesson in self-defense and crime prevention with University Police Commander Kenneth Jones; “Earthquake!” a chance to learn about seismic sleuthing; and “Ready, Aim, hired!” tips for exploring the job market and preparing for interviews.
Chicago campus tour tracks include “CSI -- NUPD,” an opportunity to try on police equipment and tour squad cars; and “Artificial Limbs and the Fabulous Foot,” an intro to orthopedic tools and the anatomy of a foot.
A participant breakfast and drop off begins at 8 a.m. in the Louis Room of Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive on the Evanston campus, and in the Atrium of the Lurie Medical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., on the Chicago campus.
Following the morning activities, children will meet their Northwestern parent, guardian or staff sponsor for lunch on their own.
Volunteers are needed to help organize and host this year’s workshops. For more information, contact Anna Freedman for the Evanston event and Lesley Lundeen for the Chicago event.
More information is available on the Human Resources website.
Northwestern’s program is sponsored by the Office of Human Resources and made possible with the ongoing support of the Women’s Center, the Association of Northwestern University Women (ANUW) and the Office of the President.
