Inspiring the Next Generation of Public Works Leaders
An initiative of the Ontario Public Works Association Public Outreach Committee, the School Outreach Program connects students with careers in public works through engaging, real-world learning experiences.
Through this program, OPWA is helping to inspire the next generation of professionals who will design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that supports our communities.
About the Program
The School Outreach Program is designed to introduce students to the essential role public works plays in everyday life. From clean water and safe roads to sustainable communities and resilient infrastructure, public works is at the heart of how our cities and towns function.
By connecting students with industry professionals and hands-on learning opportunities, OPWA aims to:
- Increase awareness of careers in public works
- Provide meaningful, real-world learning experiences
- Inspire students to explore pathways in engineering, infrastructure, and related fields
Current Initiative: Future City Experience
As part of the School Outreach Program, OPWA is proud to support the Future City Experience through a collaborative partnership with Engineers of Tomorrow.
The Future City Experience is a hands-on learning program that challenges students to imagine, design, and build cities of the future. Participants explore real-world issues such as sustainability, infrastructure, transportation, and community planning while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By connecting learning to real careers, students begin to see how they can shape the world around them.
Through this partnership, OPWA contributes to the program by:
- Providing guest speakers and subject matter experts from across the public works sector
- Supporting classroom learning with real-world insights and applications
- Offering potential field trip opportunities to municipal public works sites (where available)
- Promoting awareness of careers in public works and related fields
- Encouraging greater diversity and representation within the future workforce
This partnership strengthens the program by bringing practical expertise directly into student learning environments.
To get involved in this initiative click here or scan the QR code below.
Expanding Our Reach
OPWA continues to explore new opportunities to connect with students at all stages of their educational journey.
Future initiatives may include:
- Partnerships with colleges and universities
- Expanded outreach to secondary and post-secondary students
- Additional experiential learning and mentorship opportunities
Our Goal: Connecting Big Ideas to Real-World Careers
Public works professionals play a vital role in building safe, sustainable, and thriving communities.
We believe every student should see themselves in the future of public works.
Our outreach efforts aim to increase awareness and representation in the field, helping students from all backgrounds explore meaningful careers that shape the communities we live in every day.
About the Public Outreach Committee
The Public Outreach Committee of the Ontario Public Works Association is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of public works across Ontario.
The committee focuses on:
- Promoting public works as a meaningful and rewarding career path
- Building connections between industry professionals and communities
- Supporting initiatives that engage youth and underrepresented groups
- Enhancing public appreciation for the infrastructure and services that support everyday life
About OPWA
The OPWA is a not-for-profit organization of volunteer professionals from municipal organizations, engineering firms, and public service organizations across Ontario. We are dedicated to sharing knowledge, supporting diversity, and inspiring the next generation to build strong, inclusive communities.
Get Involved
- For Educators
Bring this experience to your classroom and connect your students with real-world learning by requesting a school visit.
- For OPWA Members
Help inspire the next generation by sharing your knowledge and experience by becoming a speaker.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Tushar Patel.