Join us Wednesday, October 21, 2026 for NFPA's recruitment event at the University of Cincinnati, one of NFPA's 13 Power Partner Universities. This exclusive event invites NFPA members to exhibit among students from multiple engineering disciplines, followed by a networking lunch, and a technical discussion during class lecture, offering valuable face time with engineering students interested in fluid power. Around 60 students are expected to be in class during lecture time, with even more students present during the exhibit and lunch - including the Fluid Power Club and the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge team.
At NFPA, we often talk about the value of connection, or the Power of Association, between our members, students, educators, and the next generation of fluid power professionals. Every so often, we see that value mature into something extraordinary.
Through the NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, a design/build initiative for university engineers, one of our volunteers at GPM Controls began mentoring students at University of Cincinnati. What started as a typical engagement opportunity offered by this program, blossomed into a deeper relationship with faculty and ultimately led to the development and launch of a brand-new, 3-credit elective course on fluid power technology.
That course enrolled its first cohort of 20 students now gaining direct, hands-on education in a subject that had previously not been taught at the university.
This is more than a classroom win – it’s a powerful reminder of what happens when industry shows up. When NFPA members volunteer to mentor, guest lecture, or simply start a conversation with educators, doors open. Curricula evolve. Students get exposure to real-world applications. And our industry becomes more visible, more relevant, and more prepared for the future.
With the inclusion of this course, the University of Cincinnati now meets all the requirements of being a Power Partner University and we are excited to bring them on and develop our relationship further with a launch event this fall.
This exclusive event invites NFPA members to exhibit among students from multiple engineering disciplines, followed by a networking lunch, and a technical discussion during class lecture, offering valuable face time with engineering students interested in fluid power.
Around 60 students are expected to be in class during lecture time, with even more students present during the exhibit and lunch - including the Fluid Power Club and the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge team.
Each participating company is encouraged to bring up to two representatives—ideally one HR/recruiting professional and one technical or engineering representative—to maximize student engagement.
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 11 am - 2 pm Eastern
Register
If you have any questions, please contact Kyla Olson at kolson@nfpa.com. Additional event details will be shared after registration.