QCESC - Quad City Engineering and Science Council

Sometimes opportunities come to the Quad Cities—and sometimes they come right up the Mississippi River!

The National Waterways Conference is bringing its 2026 Annual Meeting to Vibrant Arena at The Mark in Moline, August 25–27.

For three days, waterways leaders, federal partners and industry stakeholders will gather here in the Quad Cities to talk about the many ways our waterways connect to our communities—from engineering, infrastructure and agriculture to freight, flood management, water supply, recreation, environmental restoration and economic development.

There will also be opportunities to network, learn along the Upper Mississippi River and enjoy a little Quad Cities hospitality—including an opening-night River Bandits game at Modern Woodmen Park. ⚾

It’s exciting to see a national event like this recognize something those of us who live and work here already know: the Mississippi River isn't simply part of our landscape. It connects industries, communities, careers and opportunities.

📅 August 25–27, 2026
📍 Vibrant Arena at The Mark, Moline

Learn more about the conference and see the agenda:
https://waterways.org/events-education/annual-meeting/

Register:
https://pci.jotform.com/form/262115627195054

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2026 NWC Annual Meeting Registration Form Please click the link to complete this form.

Exciting day with the unveiling on the details for FIRST LEGO League 2026 - 2027 season. We look forward to seeing teams at our 12th annual FLL free kickoff at the Putnam Museum on September 19 with further details coming soon.

Welcome to the BIOGLOW season Welcome to the FIRST LEGO League season! In this video, yo...

📅 Registration is now open for the IEEE STEM Summit 2026, presented by IEEE TryEngineering.

Taking place 22–23 October, the Summit brings together pre‑university educators, STEM outreach volunteers, and enthusiasts for two days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Attendees will gain access to engaging sessions, practical resources, and opportunities to connect with a global STEM community 🎓🌍

Register today: https://bit.ly/45uZl0w

A week ago we thanked SAME for an incredible behind-the-scenes tour of the Gateway Bridge and said there was "more to come."

Sometimes an event stays with you.

The bridge isn't just about steel and concrete. It's about people working together to create something that will serve our community for years to come.

That idea inspired our newest **Building Connections** article, where we reflect on the connections that help strengthen STEM throughout the Quad Cities.

We hope you'll take a few minutes to read it and let us know what you think. https://conta.cc/4fHB5xe

💙 What person, teacher, mentor, or organization helped connect you to your career or your passion for STEM?

Building More Than a Bridge Email from Quad City Engineering and Science Council The Gateway Bridge reminds us that strong STEM communities are built through partnerships, shared knowledge, and connections that create opportunit

Thanks , Rock Island Post for allowing QCESC members to attend the tour of the new Bettendorf Gateway Bridge project!

Exciting things are coming to the Quad Cities and STEM opportunities abound - how can you take advantage of them?

More to come . . .

Attending tomorrow's SAME Rock Island Gateway Bridge tour?

Please arrive at the Iron Tee Golf parking lot before 3:00 p.m. The group will leave together for the east bridge abutment, where the guided construction tour will begin promptly.

After the tour, we'll return to Iron Tee Golf for networking and conversation.

QCESC members attending are encouraged to connect with one another during the networking portion of the afternoon.

Safe travels, and we'll see you there!

The July QCESC Newsletter has arrived!

https://conta.cc/4bR7QGT

Every month, we're reminded that STEM is more than science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—it's the people, professional societies, organizations, and businesses that share knowledge, support students, strengthen our communities, and inspire the next generation.

In this month's newsletter you'll meet scholarship recipients, celebrate outstanding STEM leaders, learn about STEM grant recipients, discover our sponsor spotlights, and find upcoming opportunities to get involved.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared news, submitted articles, and continues to support STEM throughout the Quad Cities. We hope you'll take a few minutes to explore this month's issue—and if you know someone who would enjoy it, please share it with them.

Happy reading!

QCESC July 2026 Newsletter: Every Season Builds the Next Email from Quad City Engineering and Science Council This summer we're shining a spotlight on the member societies, companies, and partners that make QCESC possible   QCESC May Newsletter As Summer Be

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👷‍♀️🚧 Ever wondered what goes into building a bridge?

Here's your chance to see it up close!

Join SAME Rock Island on Thursday, July 23 for a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Gateway Pedestrian Bridge project in Bettendorf. HDR Engineering will lead attendees through the construction site, share project updates, and answer questions about the design and construction process.

Then keep the conversation going with networking and a little friendly competition at Iron Tee Golf!

📍 Gateway Bridge (east abutment) & Iron Tee Golf, Bettendorf
🗓 Thursday, July 23
🕒 Bridge Tour: 3:00–4:00 PM
⛳ Iron Tee Social: 4:00–6:00 PM

⏰ Don't wait! Registration closes Monday, July 20 at noon (Central).
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wjxqgre/lp/09562c63-82b0-4b0f-8d0c-b51deaadabac?source_id=f0edf87c-8f82-413a-bc7c-b18bca1ea417&source_type=em&c=iv7YRfXw3IPd6mA8ITZF5E_lp412bsgF5SOI8_MZIZBuE17WqsycmQ==

We hope to see you there!

Learn about STEAM concepts through fun, hands-on activities led by our friends at STEAM on Wheels!

In this first of three sessions, you will engage in thrilling robot competitions with battle bots. This program is open to students going in to grades 5-12 and registration is required. Sign up at molinelibrary.com/events or by calling 309-524-2470.

Monday, August 17, 6pm to 7:30pm.

Funding for Project Next Generation is provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).