The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute offers teens an unparalleled nine-day immersive experience across top U.S. universities, providing hands-on engineering challenges, exclusive industry tours, and direct interaction with real-world engineers, igniting a passion for STEM and shaping future problem-solvers.
The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute stands as a premier residential engineering summer camp, dedicated to igniting enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the next generation. Designed for students aged 13 to 17, this intensive nine-day program, administered by IEEE Educational Activities, offers an immersive, hands-on journey into the diverse world of engineering.
Since its launch in 2018 with over 80 participants, the institute has grown significantly, attracting 311 attendees this past year, demonstrating its increasing impact. It provides a unique opportunity for young minds to explore various engineering disciplines, meet working professionals, and tackle real-world challenges in a supportive, stress-free learning environment.
Cultivating an Engineering Mindset Through Immersive Learning
At the heart of the TryEngineering Summer Institute is its meticulously crafted curriculum, developed by IEEE STEM summer specialists. The program focuses on hands-on design challenges and project-based learning, moving away from traditional tests and quizzes to foster a collaborative and engaging atmosphere. Students are issued a program-owned laptop for the duration, ensuring a 1:1 technology ratio for all activities.
Participants delve into a wide array of engineering fields, gaining practical experience in:
- Electrical Engineering: Understanding circuits and electronics by building and soldering projects.
- Civil Engineering: Designing and testing structures, like the popular bridge challenge.
- Mechanical Engineering: Constructing remote-control cars, gliders, and trebuchets.
- Aerospace Engineering: Building rockets and exploring aircraft design principles.
- Cutting-Edge Technologies: Engaging with artificial intelligence (AI) and microcontrollers, including working with Arduino.
Beyond technical skills, the institute emphasizes critical soft skills. Students learn to think like engineers while developing abilities in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. They experience firsthand how engineers work in teams to solve both local and global challenges, mirroring professional environments.
Exclusive Access and Expert Insights
A distinctive feature of the TryEngineering Summer Institute is its unparalleled access to working engineers, industry leaders, and state-of-the-art facilities. Students benefit from:
- VIP Tours: Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of engineering companies and centers. Past trips have included NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Boeing Ridley Park, and Qualcomm manufacturing facilities.
- Guest Speakers: Interacting directly with professional engineers and former astronauts who share their experiences, offer career advice, and discuss the future of engineering.
- University Labs: Accessing university engineering labs and tech spaces, providing a taste of higher education in STEM.
One student enthusiastically shared, “Never in my life did I think that I would get to meet one of the engineers that had actually worked on the Apollo program!” Such opportunities highlight the program’s commitment to connecting theoretical learning with real-world application.
A Network of Premier University Campuses
The institute leverages the vibrant environments of leading universities across the United States. In recent years, programs have been held at:
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Rice University (Houston, Texas)
- University of San Diego (San Diego, California)
- Columbia University (New York City, New York)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, Georgia)
Spotlight on Campus Experiences
- At the University of Pennsylvania, students visited the Franklin Institute and heard from engineers at Philadelphia International Airport and Salesforce, focusing on creative problem-solving and microcontroller lessons.
- Rice University participants engaged in bridge and glider challenges, met with Salesforce and BP engineers, and toured NASA’s Johnson Space Center, including interactions with former astronauts.
- The University of San Diego campus saw students tackling glider and toxic popcorn challenges, alongside a tour of Qualcomm’s headquarters.
- Columbia University, in partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), offered leadership sessions in addition to visits to Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst, where students explored military technology and flew drones, and cultural sites like the American Museum of Natural History and Times Square.
- Georgia Institute of Technology hosted students who designed, built, and tested robotic boats for humanitarian aid, learning about Arduino programming. They also visited Accenture and the Delta Flight Museum, with support from the Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering and the Georgia Space Grant Consortium.
Shaping Future Innovators with Scholarship Support
A crucial element of the TryEngineering Summer Institute’s mission is to ensure accessibility for all aspiring engineers. Through the Educational Activities Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation, a limited number of scholarships are available for students demonstrating financial need. Support for these scholarships comes from various IEEE technical societies and councils, including Computational Intelligence, Computer, Electronics Packaging, Industry Applications, Oceanic Engineering, Photonics, Power & Energy, Power Electronics, Robotics and Automation, Signal Processing, and Solid-State Circuits societies, reinforcing IEEE’s role in fostering future talent, as highlighted by IEEE Spectrum.
These scholarships are truly transformative, as one recipient articulated: “Before I attended the summer camp, I was not sure if I was cut out to be an engineer. But after my wonderful experience at the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, I am sure that this will be the right career path for me.” Another added, “To the people who funded my scholarship, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The only reason that I was able to experience a great city in California and become more independent while staying in college dorms is because of you.”
The institute aims to spark enthusiasm, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships, all while providing a clear pathway for students considering a degree or career in engineering. For more details on the program and future sessions, interested students and parents can visit the official TryEngineering Institute website.
