Now in its 15th year, the Detroit Construction ScienceXpo (Detroit CSE) is returning in 2026, and we encourage ACEC/Michigan member firms to consider participating as activity station presenters, volunteers, and sponsors.

About the Event

The Detroit CSE is a hands-on, youth-exploratory career awareness event that connects middle and high school students from Detroit Public Schools with professionals from across Michigan's engineering and construction industries. The event is presented by a coalition of more than 60 industry partners — including professional engineering and skilled trades employers, professional trade union training centers, colleges, and community organizations — and is produced in collaboration with the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan's Navigation to Success School Based Life Skills Program and the Detroit Public School Community District.

Since its founding in 2011, the Detroit CSE has reached more than 10,000 youth in the Detroit area. The event's mission is to inspire young people to consider careers in construction and engineering by providing immersive, real-world experiences that emphasize safety, innovation, and opportunity.

2026 Event Details

Detroit Construction ScienceXpo Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Durfee Innovation Society 2470 Collingswood St., Detroit

What the Event Offers

The Detroit CSE features two primary activity areas. The Engineering Area — held indoors — provides students with hands-on exposure to professional engineering firms, colleges, and technical organizations. The Skilled Trade Area — held outdoors — showcases the range of skilled trade careers available in Michigan's construction industry. Both areas are staffed by industry professionals who engage directly with students through demonstrations, exhibits, and conversation.

In addition to the activity areas, the Detroit CSE features a Professional Chat component where engineering and construction firms present directly to students, as well as an Industry Chat session led by key community and industry organizations. Based on the 2025 event, Engineering Area participants have included firms such as Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick; Barton Malow; HNTB; OHM Advisors; ROWE Professional Services; Spicer Group; WSP; and others. Please note that 2026 participating organizations will be confirmed closer to the event date.

Sign Up as an Activity Exhibitor

Firms interested in hosting an activity station or exhibiting at the Detroit CSE can sign up using the link below. This is an excellent opportunity to engage directly with students and showcase your firm's work in engineering and infrastructure.

👉 Sign Up as an Activity Exhibitor

Volunteer at the Detroit CSE

Individual volunteers play a vital role in making the Detroit CSE a success. Whether you are an engineer, designer, project manager, or industry professional, your presence at the event helps bring the engineering profession to life for the next generation of Michigan's workforce. If you are interested in volunteering at this year's event, please sign up using the link below.

👉 Sign Up to Volunteer

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorships for the Detroit CSE are available at the following levels:

• Presenting: $10,000
• Platinum: $3,000
• Gold: $2,000
• Silver: $1,000
• Bronze: $500

All sponsorship levels include company recognition on event signage and the Detroit CSE website. Higher sponsorship levels include logo placement on the Expo banner, student backpacks distributed at the event, and verbal recognition during event presentations. Bronze sponsors also receive an activity or vendor booth in the Engineering or Skilled Trade area.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to obtain the sponsorship form, please visit www.michiganconstruction.com/constructionscienceexpo or contact the Detroit CSE directly at:

Doug Needham Detroit Construction ScienceXpo 2937 Atrium Dr., Ste. 201, Okemos, MI 48864

ACEC/Michigan encourages all member firms to consider supporting the Detroit CSE and its mission of connecting Michigan's next generation of professionals with the engineering and construction industry.