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STEM at CLC

Young students work solder parts to make an electronic circuit.

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STEM Events at CLC

Step into STEM

Science. Technology. Engineering. Math. These are the fields driving the future. They’re also tons of fun to explore.

You have many ways to engage in STEM at CLC. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Become the maker, problem solver, trailblazer

Cultivate your curiosity and STEM skills at CLC. We have opportunities for everyone, from grade school students to senior members of the community. Participate in hands-on activities and events. Learn about STEM careers. Pursue a STEM degree or career certificate.

STEM events at CLC

Lake County Robotics Competition

The Lake County Robotics Competition is a low cost, low barriers introduction to robotics using a competition framework. It is an alternative to the more formal competitions such as Vex or First Robotics. LCRC is a logical next step to students aging out of the 4H Robotics Showcase. It is open to students in grades 7 through 12 who are brand new to robotics.

Watch for more details in December!

Check out Lake County Robotics Competition

Participants in the roboticscompetition

Make-a-Thon

Accept the challenge to combine sensors, motors, programming and prototyping. The free one-day workshop kicks off with an introduction to coding and the software platform we are using. A specific challenge will be revealed for your team to complete. Sign up with friends or we can assign you to a team. Register at the middle school level, high school level, as a community member (18 +) or as an all-ages team.

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1-5 p.m.
Grayslake Campus, College of Lake County

Registration opens in January.

Three young boys sitting at table with laptop and mini robot

Maker Faire

The greatest show and tell on earth

See awesome stuff. Learn how it works. Make it yourself!

Every Maker Faire is filled with projects made in Lake County. Come to this family-friendly event and learn something new. Maker Faire Lake County is a show-and-tell for innovative designers, creators, builders and tinkerers. It celebrates the multifaceted fields of making, perfect for creative children and adults in Lake County—from engineers to scientists to crafters.

Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grayslake Campus, College of Lake County
Free and open to the public

Show off your maker skills

Maker applications open in January.
Deadline to apply is March 15, 2026.

Explore Maker Faire

Adult man and child work on soldering project

Engineering Night

Discuss the different engineering professions and majors, such as civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, computer science and aerospace, with practicing engineers.

Explore guaranteed admission partnerships and attend breakout sessions with 4-year engineering schools. These include University of Illinois (UIUC), Milwaukee School of Engineering, Northern Illinois University, Iowa State University, Bradley University, University of Illinois Chicago, Iron Range Engineering (Minnesota State University, Mankato), Michigan Tech, Carthage College, Illinois Tech, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and more.

Stay tuned for 2026 event details
Grayslake Campus, College of Lake County
Event is FREE and open to high-school and CLC students and parents.

Registration opens in September

Students posing for photo in Baxter Innovation Lab

STEM Day for Girls

Do you want to write code for software, view extraterrestrial objects, or understand the science behind dental cavities? These and other hands-on activities are sure to motivate and inspire girls interested in STEM. The half-day event is free for girls (grades 6-12). School groups, scout groups, youth groups and individual girls are welcome to attend!

Coming November 2026
Grayslake Campus, College of Lake County
Event is FREE and welcomes students in grades 6 – 12 and parents.

Registration opens in October

Girls working on a science project together

Explore STEM areas of study

Business, Hospitality, and Information Technology

Lead business innovation. Connect people and processes with technology. Create memorable experiences through food, drink and hospitality.

Explore opportunities

Manufacturing, Engineering and Advanced Technologies

Plan the future of technology and manufacturing. Keep high-tech facilities running smoothly. Develop skills in high-demand trades.

Build the future

Science and Math

Unlock mysteries of the natural world. Harness the power of numbers. From biology and chemistry to math and physics, prepare to solve complex problems.

Investigate options

Wellness and Health Sciences

Care for people and pets. Prepare for a career that prioritizes well-being. Or begin your academic journey to earn advanced medical degrees.

Pursue healthcare

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More helpful links:

Find STEM programs
Check out STEM student clubs
Explore STEM careers
Enroll in personal enrichment programs

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Tour STEM facilities

Baxter Innovation Lab

This maker space is free for CLC students, staff and faculty to use. It also is a public resource, serving community members, businesses, K-12 students and their teachers.

See what you can do

Get a 360 view of the Baxter Innovation Lab

Students and teacher working in Baxter Innovation Lab

Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

The future of manufacturing is housed here. The 170,000-square-foot center in Gurnee is home to leading-edge equipment and training programs for CLC students and Lake County industry.

Learn about the ATC

Get 360 views of the Advanced Technology Center:

Industrial Technology lab
Welding and Fabrication Technology lab
Lobby

Students working in the Advanced Technology Center

CLC Science Labs

Advanced biology, chemistry and other labs support STEM education at our Grayslake, Lakeshore (Waukegan) and Southlake (Vernon Hills) campuses.

Take an in-person or virtual tour of CLC

See 360 views of some of our STEM facilities:

Phlebotomy lab
Nursing simulation lab
Medical imaging lab
Automotive Technology facility

Image of CLC's chemistry lab

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