On June 11, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) hosted the Pre-College Engagement and Support (PCES) Outreach Challenge #2, centered on building meaningful relationships with SWENext Clubs — groups of pre-college students exploring STEM, leadership, and community.
This round focused on how SWE sections can go beyond one-time events and foster lasting connections. SWE received two strong submissions, and while the number may have been small, the impact wasn’t. These teams showed up, shared thoughtful ideas, and set an example for others to follow.
Winners:
First Place ($1,500): California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo SWE (Cal Poly SWE)
Second Place ($1,000): University of Southern California SWE (USC-SWE)
Cal Poly SWE stood out for hosting a STEM outreach event that brought students and their families together. By involving parents and guardians, they created a welcoming, supportive environment that helped students feel more confident and excited about STEM.
USC-SWE focused on consistency — building relationships through mentorship, open communication, and giving students a voice in shaping their experience. Their approach emphasized long-term connection over quick wins.
During the live webinar, both teams presented their strategies and took part in a great Q&A session. Despite time zone differences and a few technical bumps, everyone came together and made the event a success.
This challenge reminded us that sometimes, just showing up is a win. When something feels hard or uncertain, it probably feels that way for others, too. Take that step anyway! That’s what moves things forward.
To future participants — don’t hold back. Share what you’re doing. You never know who it might help or inspire.
Huge thanks to our presenters, PCES Committee members, and SWE HQ for making Challenge #2 happen!
If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording here:
You can also find highlights of the recent SWE PCES Outreach Challenge #1 here!
