Posted on January 9th, 2026
At Victaulic, innovation doesn’t stop at the products we create, it extends to how we inspire the engineers of tomorrow. Through Explorer Post 1919, Victaulic provides local high school students with an immersive opportunity to explore the many disciplines that shape our world, from civil and mechanical to electrical, chemical, and computer engineering.
Established to connect students with passionate, professional engineers, Post 1919 offers a hands-on approach to learning that brings engineering concepts to life. Victaulic’s experts design weekly challenges and experiments that not only teach technical principles but also encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The result? Students don’t just learn what engineers do, they experience what it means to think like one.
Learning by Doing
In the 2024-2025 Explorer Post 1919 series, participants dove into a variety of engaging activities designed to highlight the breadth of engineering disciplines. Whether learning about the forces behind structural design or the principles of energy conservation, each session blended learning with fun and discovery.
Led by Victaulic’s Peter Hoback, one session focused on structural engineering, where students were challenged to design and build cardboard chairs. With creativity and competition in full swing, each design was evaluated on both weight capacity and aesthetic appeal, proving that successful engineering is as much about function as it is about innovation.
Another highlight was the Rube Goldberg Challenge, where students transformed everyday materials into elaborate chain reactions. These inventive machines demonstrated real-world physics concepts such as energy conservation, momentum, and force balance, all while inspiring teamwork and ingenuity.
A Memorable Finale
To conclude an incredible season, Explorer Post 1919 participants and their families were treated to an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Victaulic’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Customer Experience Center, and research and development lab. Students witnessed live destructive testing and saw firsthand the precision, innovation, and passion that drive Victaulic’s engineering excellence.
The evening culminated with an inspiring address from Susan Schierwagen, Vice President of Engineering Operations, who shared her personal journey in engineering and words of encouragement for the next generation of innovators. Her message of perseverance, curiosity, and leadership left students energized and ready to embrace the future.
Building a Brighter Future
Victaulic’s Explorer Post 1919 is more than a program, it’s a partnership between industry and community, aimed at sparking lifelong curiosity in STEM. By fostering exploration, creativity, and collaboration, we’re proud to play a part in developing the problem-solvers and innovators who will engineer the world of tomorrow.
Here’s to another exciting year of exploration, discovery, and engineering excellence! Interested in joining? Our 2025-2026 series is still in session. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more!
