Universities Announce Support for Canstruction Northwest Indiana

Lake Area United Way LogoLake Area United Way and United Way of Porter County are pleased to announce key support from Purdue University Calumet and Purdue University North Central.

“We appreciate the financial commitment demonstrated by Chancellors Keon and Dworkin to the Canstruction project. We also look forward to working with the Purdue University engineering students to bring the student designs to life through the 3D technology offered at the Center for Innovation Visualization and Simulation (CIVS). This portion of Canstruction project will provide a unique science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experience to all the students involved in this project. We are also very thankful to Congressman Visclosky for his commitment to Northwest Indiana in raising awareness to help combat the hunger issue that significantly impacts our region,” said Lou Martinez, President, Lake Area United Way.

“We are thrilled that Purdue University Calumet and Purdue University North Central have partnered with the United Ways and Congressman Visclosky to bring Canstruction to Northwest Indiana. It will be a wonderful STEM learning experience for the students and will impact the lives of hundreds of families in the region through the donation of the cans of food to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and local food pantries. We are most grateful to Purdue University for their support and sponsorship of this event,” said Sharon Kish, President, United Way of Porter County.

Middle school aged students from throughout Lake and Porter counties will participate in designing and building large structures made entirely out of canned food. Throughout the process these students will use the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). After the structures are built, they will be on display at the Southlake Mall where the public can vote on their favorite structure. At the conclusion of the event, all food items will be donated to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and ultimately local food pantries.

“Purdue University Calumet strongly supports opportunities to engage with our community through education and public service. “Superheroes Against Hunger” offers an innovative STEM learning opportunity for our young people; and provides awareness and support for those in-need in Northwest Indiana. We look forward to working with Purdue North Central, Congressman Visclosky and our regional partners on this great event.” said Purdue University Calumet Chancellor Dr. Thomas L. Keon.

"This competition is a tremendous opportunity for area middle school students to enhance their skills in the important science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines," said Purdue University North Central Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. "This presents a fun opportunity for them to stretch their imaginations and to test their planning and construction skills. In the end, the projects will help our friends and neighbors through our local food pantries. I encourage our local students and teachers to get involved in the competition and that our businesses and organizations consider taking advantage of a sponsorship opportunity to support this worthwhile endeavor.”

“I am proud to work with the Lake Area United Way and the United Way of Porter County on this important initiative. These organizations provide an invaluable service to our communities, and Canstruction is another example of their great work,” said Congressman Pete Visclosky.