Events

On the GCAMP Calendar of Events you will find:

  • Career/Job Fairs – These are hiring events, often held in anticipation of an upcoming high school or community college graduation, meant to help graduating students find jobs.   Manufacturers - find your next employees here!
  • Career Expos - (also sometimes called Showcases or Trades Fairs) These events are slightly different from job fairs.   They are geared towards younger students to encourage them to pursue a career in industry.   The students at these events are not seeking jobs yet, but they are looking for information about possibly pursuing careers in industry.   Manufacturers are invited to these events to introduce the next generation to the field of manufacturing. 
  • Mock Interviews -These events are for students to learn interviewing skills.  Industry professionals are needed to help conduct the mock interviews, and employers sometimes find potential real-life hires at mock interviews.
  • Advisory Meetings – These meetings allow industry experts an opportunity to give their input on how educators can refine their programs for current trends and technology.  These are great events to connect industry with education.
  • Competition Judge Requests – Student skills competitions are great ways for members of industry to meet skilled students and educators.  Plus, they are often a fun way for those in industry to volunteer their time and give back to the community. 
  • Awards & Scholarships - Awards refer to contests or competitions for people, frequently students, in manufacturing.  Scholarships on our page are for students to help fund their education beyond high school.   See the scholarship descriptions for more details. 

Do you have an upcoming event that you would like us to add to the GCAMP Events calendar?  Tell us about it! 

Upcoming Events

College of DuPage logo

Cutting Edge Creators

Explore the high-tech world of manufacturing using CNC (Computerized Numerically Controlled) Equipment in the COD manufacturing labs. Students will learn how CNC has revolutionized industry, discuss potential career pathways, and learn how to create a CNC G-Code programs program to make an individualized project during this hands-on camp. Family members are invited on the final afternoon as students present their final projects. 

Monday-Friday, July 21-25

9am-2:50pm

YEEXC-0002-102, $249

See page 31 for more information.

These camps give students the opportunity to explore the world of manufacturing. Camps include training on industry-standard equipment and field trips to local manufacturing facilities. 

Students should be dropped off and picked up in the Technical Education Center (TEC). A youth aide will be present for sign-in beginning at 8:45am each day. All students must be picked up within 15 minutes of class ending time. Please contact the Continuining Education Youth Coordinator at (630)942-2208 if before and after supervision is needed. Students should bring a sack lunch.

July 21st, 2025 09:00 AM - July 25th, 2025 02:50 PM

College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Technical Education Center (TEC), Room 0014

Learn more

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Weld On!

Students learn about welding, metal fabrication, and safety measures from COD faculty through a mixture of lectures and hands-on competencies designed to foster a deeper appreication of the trade. The program highlights training and helps students map out career goals.

Monday to Thursday, July 28-31

8am-1pm

YEHSC-0003-210, $299

See page 46 for more information.

July 28th, 2025 08:00 AM - July 31st, 2025 01:00 PM

College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd, Technical Education Center (TEC), Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Learn more

College of DuPage logo

3D CAD Solid Modeling

Learn SolidWorks software and techniques to produce three-dimensional solids. Emphasis will be placed on creating and rendering 3D solid models, modifying, editing commands and dimensioning. This exploratory course is a good starting point for students interested in design and/or engineering.

Monday to Thursday, July 28-31

12:30pm-4pm

YEHSC-0003-108, $299

See page 46 for more information.

July 28th, 2025 12:30 PM - July 31st, 2025 04:00 PM

College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd, Technical Education Center (TEC), Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Learn more

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GCAMP Trivia Night Fundraiser

Join us & support GCAMP's Trivia Night!

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind Trivia Night Fundraiser—held at employee-owned Gripple, a world-leading manufacturer of wire joining & tensioning systems!

Join us Wednesday, July 30 for an unforgettable evening of friendly competition, great food, and industrial-strength fun!

Here’s what’s in store:

  • Doors open at 4:00 PM
  • Team Trivia begins at 4:30 PM (teams of 3–5 people, come with your team or join one at the event!)
  • Dinner included
  • 2 drink tickets per guest
  • Prizes for the top TWO teams

Whether you're a trivia pro or just here for the fun, you’ll love this behind-the-scenes peek at a high-tech manufacturing facility—turned party zone for one night only!

Location:
Gripple, Inc.
1611 Emily Lane, Aurora, IL

Space is limited, so grab your team and RSVP soon!

Let’s raise some money and have a blast doing it—see you at Gripple on July 30!

July 30th, 2025 04:00 PM - July 30th, 2025 07:30 PM

Gripple Inc. 1611 Emily Ln Aurora IL 60502

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Directions 2025!

Directions Fair 2025

We are hosting our annual fair on Tuesday, September 30th and we hope you can join us. The fair showcases post-secondary options for students with IEPs and 504 Plans hosted by High School District 214, High School District 211, Barrington Unit School District 220, Harper College, and St. Viator High School. Representatives from colleges and post-secondary institutions will be available to distribute literature and discuss their programs.

Combined, our schools serve more than 3,000 students who receive special education or Section 504 services. This event is intended to reach hundreds of potential future students.

Please see the website for more details and the link to Directions Fair 2025 RSVP FORM to reserve a spot at our fair!

September 30th, 2025 06:00 PM - September 30th, 2025 08:00 PM

1200 W Algonquin Rd, Building A 2nd Floor, Palatine, IL 60067

Learn more

Past Events

College of DuPage logo

Cutting Edge Creators

Explore the high-tech world of manufacturing using CNC (Computerized Numerically Controlled) Equipment in the COD manufacturing labs. Students will learn how CNC has revolutionized industry, discuss potential career pathways, and learn how to create a CNC G-Code programs program to make an individualized project during this hands-on camp. Family members are invited on the final afternoon as students present their final projects. Monday-Friday, July 21-259am-2:50pmYEEXC-0002-102, $249See page 31 for more information.These camps give students the opportunity to explore the world of manufacturing. Camps include training on industry-standard equipment and field trips to local manufacturing facilities. Students should be dropped off and picked up in the Technical Education Center (TEC). A youth aide will be present for sign-in beginning at 8:45am each day. All students must be picked up within 15 minutes of class ending time. Please contact the Continuining Education Youth Coordinator at (630)942-2208 if before and after supervision is needed. Students should bring a sack lunch.

July 21st, 2025 09:00 AM - July 25th, 2025 02:50 PM

College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Technical Education Center (TEC), Room 0014

College of DuPage logo

Dream It, Build It

Fuel your interest in design and engineering and gain new skills on manufacturing machinery. Students brainstorm and prototype their projects, then complete their creations using shop equipment. This two-week camp includes at least one field trip. Family members are invited on the final afternoon as students present their final projects.Monday to Friday, July 7 to 189am to 4pmYEECX-0002-101, $499See page 31 for more information.These camps give students the opportunity to explore the world of manufacturing. Camps include training on industry-standard equipment and field trips to local manufacturing facilities. Students should be dropped off and picked up in the Technical Education Center (TEC). A youth aide will be present for sign-in beginning at 8:45am each day. All students must be picked up within 15 minutes of class ending time. Please contact the Continuining Education Youth Coordinator at (630)942-2208 if before and after supervision is needed. Students should bring a sack lunch.

July 8th, 2025 09:00 AM - July 18th, 2025 04:00 PM

College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd, Technical Education Center (TEC), Room 0014. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

gcamp summer tours 25

GCAMP Summer Manufacturing Tours: Flexco

GCAMP is excited to host transformational summer tours for students (ages 12+) interested in STEM careers within manufacturing and industry.Explore the educational pathways that align with high wage industry careers.Go "behind the scenes" to see how some of the products we use every day are made.Interact directly with engineers, plant operators, and other industry professionals.Register for one or more manufacturing tours using the links below. Limited spots are available. Parents, teachers, and counselors are also invited to attend, but each participant must register.Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore your future career path!_______________________________Join us at Flexco on July 8th from 9am-11am.From its inception, Flexco has focused on just one thing, maximizing belt conveyor productivity. Whether you are a small farm in the Midwestern United States, or a large mine in eastern Europe, or a global parcel handling operation with facilities around the world, we are focused on becoming your number one resource for products and services that maximize your belt conveyor uptime, productivity, and safety. QUICK FACTS ABOUT FLEXCOFounded in 1907Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois USASubsidiary locations in Australia, Chile, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Middle East, Singapore, South Africa, and the United KingdomEmploys more than 800 people globallyIs a privately-held companyHolds 185 patentsOver 1800 distributor partners throughout the worldSupporting customers in more than 150 countries

July 8th, 2025 09:00 AM - July 8th, 2025 11:00 AM

2525 Wisconsin Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515

gcamp summer tours 25

GCAMP Summer Manufacturing Tours: Amsted Automotive

GCAMP is excited to host transformational summer tours for students (ages 12+) interested in STEM careers within manufacturing and industry.Explore the educational pathways that align with high wage industry careers.Go "behind the scenes" to see how some of the products we use every day are made.Interact directly with engineers, plant operators, and other industry professionals.Register for one or more manufacturing tours using the links below. Limited spots are available. Parents, teachers, and counselors are also invited to attend, but each participant must register.Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore your future career path!______________________Join us at Amsted Automotive on June 24th from 9am-11am.Amsted Industries is a global, diversified manufacturer of industrial components for rail, commercial vehicle, automotive, and construction and building applications. With over a century of engineering and manufacturing excellence and a commitment to ongoing product and process improvement, our businesses are all leaders in the markets they serve. 

June 24th, 2025 09:00 AM - June 24th, 2025 11:00 AM

737 Peyton St, Geneva, IL 60134

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Camp Invention

Save the Date!: Camp Invention is a 4-day creative and open-ended learning camp which includes a rotation of four adventures for students in grades K-6.

June 23rd, 2025 09:00 AM - June 26th, 2025 04:00 PM

McHenry Country College