March 18, 2025 — In a bustling room filled with the hums of machinery and the steady tapping of keyboards, a group of eager students from Columbus Downtown High School’s manufacturing program stepped into the roles of engineers for a day.
The goal? To gain firsthand insight into the world of engineering and to see how the lessons they’ve learned in the classroom come to life in the real world.
The experience, hosted by the City of Columbus, took students on a whirlwind tour of the city's cutting-edge facilities, where they observed complex systems that help keep the city running smoothly. From the high-tech traffic control center to the sign shop and materials testing lab, students had the chance to witness the inner workings of the very infrastructure that keeps the city moving.
Robert Ewing, advanced manufacturing instructor at Columbus Downtown High School, was just as impressed by the day’s events as the students were.
“The day went well, the engineering team from the City of Columbus was very welcoming, and the students had the opportunity to ask lots of questions,” Ewing said.
At the traffic control center, students watched in awe as engineers managed traffic lights, monitoring live feeds from across the city, and making real-time decisions to ensure smooth travel for commuters. They marveled at how the city’s network of traffic lights was all interconnected, ensuring that even during the busiest hours, traffic flowed seamlessly.
In the sign shop, they learned how the city designs and manufactures the road signs that guide drivers safely through the streets. The materials testing lab was another highlight, where students saw firsthand the rigorous testing that materials undergo before they’re used in public infrastructure. It was a mesmerizing sight, with machines that tested the strength and durability of materials like concrete and asphalt.
But what truly left an impression on the students was the overwhelming sense of teamwork and dedication that went into every decision. There was a deep sense of pride in each engineer’s work, and the students quickly realized just how much effort goes into creating the systems and structures they often take for granted.
“I think all of our students were excellent representatives of our school and program,” Ewing said, beaming with pride.
It was a moment of triumph for Columbus Downtown High School and the broader Columbus City Schools community. The students had not only learned about engineering; they had also demonstrated professionalism, curiosity, and potential.
The experience had left a lasting impression on everyone involved. The students walked away with a new appreciation for the work that goes into maintaining and improving the city they live in, while also gaining valuable insights into career possibilities they hadn’t considered before.
“I was impressed that two of my students obtained leads on internships just based on their own independent networking with the engineering team today and professionalism,” Ewing exclaimed. It was a testament to the skills and initiative these high school students were bringing to the table.
This day wasn’t just about the students learning about engineering; it was about opening their eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead, empowering them to dream big, and equipping them with the tools to turn those dreams into reality.
It was a day where the future of Columbus was in the hands of its brightest young minds, and the future never looked more promising.
