PCI of IL & WI has a series of programs appropriate for schools of Engineering, including classroom lectures, textbooks, short video programs, plant tours, project tours, and other teaching tools are available. PCI-IW members are also available for assistance for the PCI Big Beam Competition. For more information, contact Marty McIntyre

Business classes touching on project management, real estate or other construction related topics might benefit from one of the precast programs offered by PCI-IW. Lectures and field trips can be tailored to suit your educational needs. For more information, contact Marty McIntyre.

PCI-IL & WI producer members often sponsor college students for plant tours. Students are offered the opportunity to see a plant during business hours in full operation. Students learn how precast concrete is manufactured, see the steps taken to ensure quality product, and gain a better understanding of how the product works within the design and construction process. Plant tours must be scheduled in advance. Students on a tour will receive an information packet with a full range of product and company information, based on their specific needs. Plants are located within a 1-2 hour drive of most Illinois and Wisconsin Colleges or Universities. Breakfast and lunch may be included, but universities will be responsible for transportation. Students will need hard hats and safety glasses. To request a plant tour, contact PCI-IL & WI at (708) 386-3715 or via the Seminar Form.

PCI-IL & WI will sponsor students interested in membership in the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. Students must be in an accredited program and sponsored by a professor. Any reputable individual engaged or interested in the plant-produced precast and prestressed concrete industry as a producer, supplier of materials and/or services, architect, engineer, contractor, developer technician, educator or student, is eligible to apply for membership. To request an information packet and student membership application, contact PCI-IL & WI at (708) 386-3715 or via the Seminar Form.

PCI offers a new competition for structural engineering students developed by Professor Richard Miller at the University of Cincinnati. The BIG BEAM contest is designed to allow teams from universities to work with local precasters to design, build and test a 15-foot long prestressed beam with a maximum cross section 6" wide by 12" deep. The shape of the cross section is up to you. The materials must be commercially available. Host precasters will help the team build the forms, stress the strand and cast the concrete to its specifications. Prizes will be awarded in several categories including load capacity, deflection, weight, aesthetics and economics. Sika Corporation provides corporate sponsorship for prizes. www.sika.com PCI-IL & WI offers support to student teams interested in participating in the Big Beam contest, including local precaster support and small stipends for team expenses. To register a team for the BIG BEAM contest, contact PCI, 209 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago IL 60606-6938, Phone: 312-786-0300; or fax 312-786-0353 or visit the PCI website at pci.org/education/resources/index.cfm.