10 High Schools to Participate in JJC’s IDEA CAD Competition

Approximately 120 local high school students are preparing for this year’s Regional Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Drafting Competition, set for March 2 at Joliet Junior College.

JJC’s Technical Department hosts the annual event, which is conducted by the Illinois Drafting Educator’s Association (IDEA). It engages students in a challenging and competitive design environment and is intended to prepare them for the state competition.

“This competition is a great experience for high school students thinking about studying CAD drafting in college,” said Scott Boudreau, JJC CAD professor and IDEA regional director. “It’s a fun way for them to be challenged and get creative, while at the same time learning some of the things that will be involved with studying CAD at the college level. Plus, it’s a stepping stone to the state competition, and a way to see if they’re ready to compete at that level.”

Competitors will create designs ranging from mechanical machine parts to architectural floor plans, categories chosen by their high school teachers. Industry professionals will judge the submission and prizes are awarded for each category. First and second place winners are eligible to proceed to the state competition.

High schools represented at the competition include Lincoln-Way West, Lincoln-Way Central, Bolingbrook, Lockport East, Lockport Township, Lemont, Ottawa, Joliet West, Joliet Central, and Streator.

The Regional CAD/Drafting Competition will take place at JJC’s Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road, on March 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in T-Building, Room T1000.

The state competition will be held at Illinois State University in Normal on April 14. The top prize there is a $5,000 scholarship.

For more information contact Scott Harvey, communications and media coordinator, at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.