2026 64th Annual QCESC Engineers' Week Awards Banquet & STEM Celebration

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The QCESC E-Week Awards Banquet & STEM Celebration will be held on February 26, 2026 at The Bend Event Center in East Moline, IL.

Come join us to celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) accomplishments from the community over the past year.

The 64th Annual QCESC STEM Celebration will provide a great opportunity to network with others who are connected to STEM. It also showcases many of the great efforts and accomplishments of educators, professionals, and students in the region.

This annual event will award over 20 STEM scholarships to the top local high school seniors along with QCESC STEM awards for Engineers, Scientists, Teachers, Societies, and Volunteers.


  Date and Time

  Location

  Hosts

  Registration


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  • The Bend Event Center
  • 910 Bend Blvd
  • East Moline, Illinois
  • United States 61244
  • Click here for Map
  • Contact Event Hosts

  • Contact https://qcesc.org

  • Co-sponsored by Quad Cities Engineering and Science Council

  Speakers

Chris Rake

Topic:

Building Tomorrow’s Problem Solvers by Taking Chances, Making Mistakes, and Getting Messy

Employers say they want innovative thinkers who can solve complex problems and work across disciplines, yet too often we create cultures where people are afraid to make mistakes. Chris Rake will share how FIRST provides the environment where students learn that taking chances, making mistakes, and getting messy is how real problem-solving happens.

Biography:

Chris Rake, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer with FIRST, the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM. He leads daily operations of FIRST to drive forward its global community in over 100  countries, which is dedicated to preparing young people for the future through engaging, team-based research and robotics programs that inspire young leaders and innovators.  This includes FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition supporting youth ages 5 – 18.  




Agenda

  • 5:00 – 6:30 PM  – Networking and Social Hour with Cash Bar and Displays

  • 6:30 –7:00 – Dinner is Served

    • Sit-down dinner (food choices made at time of registration)

  • 7:00 – 8:30 – Program

    • Presentation of the 2026 STEM Scholarships

    • Presentation of 2026 QCESC Awards

    • Announcement of New Members of:

      • The Pledge of the Computing Professionals

      • Order of the Engineer

    • Keynote Address

    • Closing

For questions about the program, please reach out to President@qcesc.org


Quad City Engineering & Science Council (QCESC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.