Shadow Hanson

Some of the most meaningful learning experiences come outside of the classroom. The goal of the Shadow Hanson program is to give Springfield-area high-school students the opportunity to see the wonders of engineering up close while observing interactive exhibits and listening to engineers from a variety of disciplines share their experiences on projects that have shaped our community. Civil, mechanical, electrical, structural and geotechnical engineering are included in the demonstrations held at our half-day event offered each fall. 

About the program

Located at the Bank of Springfield Center in downtown Springfield, Shadow Hanson has hosted students from Lanphier, Springfield, Southeast, Lutheran, Chatham-Glenwood, Petersburg, Auburn, Pleasant Plains and Sacred Heart-Griffin high schools. In 2020, Hanson held a virtual event to enable program continuity while following COVID-19 safety protocol.

Shadow Hanson exhibits have included:

A male and female student look at a tablet screen and smile.
  • drones 
  • floodplain model
  • seismic shake
  • environmental demonstration
  • traffic planning
  • Ameren project presentation
  • bridge destruction video
  • stormwater reuse
  • traffic modeling

Calling all teachers!

If you are an area high-school educator with students who have a passion for math and science and are interested in learning about jobs in the engineering field through Shadow Hanson, contact Teresa Mazzini at tmazzini@hanson-inc.com. If you are a student who would like to take part, reach out to a teacher or guidance counselor for information about your school’s participation. Students must be represented by their school and accompanied by an adult chaperone. We invite students and teachers to visit the American Council of Engineering Companies Illinois website for more information about engineering as a career and how different age groups can learn and get involved.