The TryEngineering Summer Institute is officially underway at the University of San Diego, with our other campus locations launching over the next few weeks. With so much still to come, the excitement is just getting started! 

Seats are still available at a few of our sessions, so it’s not too late for your teen to be part of this remarkable summer. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the incredible experiences that will make the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute 2025 unforgettable.

Real Hands-On Engineering

This summer, students will take part in a variety of hands-on engineering challenges and activities designed to build skills, spark creativity, and encourage collaboration.

Here are just a few:

• In Toxic Popcorn, students will work together to apply the engineering design process to build and test a solution for safely removing “toxic” popcorn and saving the city!
• The Circuitry &Breadboard Skill Build introduces students to the fundamentals of electrical engineering through guided experimentation with real components.
• During the Bridge Challenge, students will design and construct model bridges, then test their strength and efficiency under simulated stress.
• The Hydraulic Arm activity gives students the chance to assemble and control robotic arms to explore hydraulics and teamwork, as they simulate a production line.
• In the Glider Design challenge, students will experiment with aerodynamics to create gliders that soar farther and more efficiently with each iteration.

Field Trips That Inspire

Each TryEngineering Summer Institute location offers a unique opportunity to explore engineering in the real world through exciting off-campus experiences:

• Students at Rice University will tour NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where they’ll g
  et a firsthand look at space exploration and cutting-edge research.
• At the University of San Diego, students will visit Qualcomm, a global leader in wireless technology and innovation.
• Students at the University of Pennsylvania will spend a day at the Franklin Institute, one of the nation’s premier science museums.
• At Columbia University, students will visit Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for an exclusive firsthand look at real-world engineering applications within a military context.

Sparking Solutions Challenge

Throughout the week, students will participate in the Sparking Solutions Challenge, a capstone experience that brings everything together. Participants are divided into small teams and work on their projects every day, with each student taking the lead on a specific section. Their mission? To develop an innovative technology that addresses a real-world problem.

 

On the final day of the program, teams will present their projects to a panel of IEEE judges, either in person or virtually. More than just a competition, this challenge helps students expand their confidence, convey their thoughts, and pitch an idea that they truly believe in.

 

It’s not too late for your teen to be part of this unforgettable summer. Register for the TryEngineering Summer Institute today!

As the school year wraps up and summer kicks into gear, it’s almost time for the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute! If you’re still thinking about enrolling your teen but want a better idea of what their day will look like, here’s a glimpse into a typical day of the program.

 

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM – Rise and Shine
The day begins with a nutritious breakfast to energize students for a full day of engineering exploration.

 

9:00 AM – Morning Meeting
Students and instructors will gather together to outline the day’s activities, review projects, address any questions, or prepare to embark on an off-campus field trip!

 

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Hands-On Engineering Projects
Dive into hands-on projects, the core of our program. These projects explore various engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, civil, and aeronautical. No lengthy lectures – just immersive, practical learning!

 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch
Students will enjoy a hot, healthy lunch in the University’s Dining Hall, with vegetarian options available.

 

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – More Hands-On Engineering
Students continue with their engineering projects, including their group projects, which will be showcased in a friendly competition on the last day of the program.

 

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Free Recreational Time
This is a chance for students to relax, connect with fellow campers, and explore the university’s recreational facilities.

 

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Dinner
Everyone gathers together for a delicious evening meal to recharge after a productive day.

 

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Evening Events
Evenings are all about fun! Students can unwind with organized activities and events like movies, challenges, or even karaoke!

 

9:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Free Time
Back in the residence halls, students can socialize, relax, watch movies, and play games!

 

11:00 PM – In Rooms
Time to wind down, rest, and recharge for another exciting day of engineering adventures!

 

Don’t wait to register your teen for this unforgettable experience! Registration for the 2025 IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute is open until July 23 – only a few spots are left!

How an Engineering Summer Program Can Shape Your College Application and Future

Every summer presents a unique opportunity for students to grow not just academically, but personally and professionally. For high school students interested in engineering, attending a specialized summer program like the TryEngineering Summer Institute can be a transformative experience that also gives them a competitive edge in the college admissions process!

While grades and test scores remain important, college admissions officers are increasingly looking at how students spend their time outside the classroom. Summer is a particularly telling period. A student who chooses to spend their summer immersed in a STEM program demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a genuine passion for learning – qualities that can make a big difference in the college admissions process.

At the TryEngineering Summer Institute, students don’t just learn about engineering, they experience it firsthand. Over the course of the session, students will explore aerospace, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering disciplines through hands-on projects and activities. These experiences help students discover which areas of engineering excite them the most, often clarifying their future college major or career path.

Real-World Skills and College Readiness

In addition to technical knowledge, students also gain valuable life skills. Living on a college campus fosters independence and maturity. Working in teams with peers from around the world builds communication and collaboration skills, which are essential in both college and the workplace. Students who participate in summer programs with new peer groups also develop stronger social-emotional skills, which can improve academic performance and boost confidence during college interviews!

Standing Out in the Application Process

Admissions officers take notice when students go beyond the expected. Participating in a STEM focused summer program signals a long-term interest in the field, and a willingness to pursue learning opportunities outside of the traditional school year. For students applying to competitive engineering programs, this kind of experience can help demonstrate both motivation and readiness for their future college-level coursework.

Students can also leverage their summer experiences in college essays, recommendation letters, and interviews. Whether it’s writing about a meaningful project or reflecting on how the program influenced their academic goals, these stories help admissions officers better understand a student’s interests and potential.

Every advantage counts in the college admissions process. A summer at the TryEngineering Summer Institute isn’t just a fun and educational experience, it’s a meaningful step toward a future in engineering. Register today to shape your teen’s future!

Voices from IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute: 

Parent and Student Experiences

The TryEngineering Summer Institute is more than just a summer camp, it’s a transformative experience that ignites a passion for engineering in young minds. By providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and a collaborative environment, the program empowers students to pursue their dreams in engineering. 

Last year, students and parents shared their heartfelt testimonials, highlighting the impact of the program and what makes the TryEngineering Summer Institute a unique and enriching experience for aspiring engineers. Featured below are just a few of these inspiring quotes and stories: 

Featured Parent Testimonials:

“Hands-on projects while solving problems is the best way of learning for my son. The TESI program gave him the opportunity to explore many different aspects of engineering fields and helped him make the decision of his major. He really enjoyed the environment, working with his peers, and the opportunities he was given. I’d highly recommend the TESI program to anyone who hasn’t yet made the decision on what their future careers will be.”

“My son thoroughly enjoyed TESI and returned from the camp with a spring in his step. The program cemented his belief that he can do it. He found the atmosphere uplifting, the content fun, and the field trip really amazing. The staff were attentive and engaging. I encourage any child who is curious about the world of engineering to consider TESI. It was a very rewarding experience for our son, and we were so grateful that he could gain confidence in his choice for the future in such a wonderful setting.”

“I have noticed a great change in my daughter after the camp. She is much more mature, more sure of herself, she acquired lots of new knowledge. It was a great experience—from the skills she acquired to the attentiveness of all the camp coordinators. It is an invaluable experience, I 110% recommend it!”

Featured Student Testimonials:

“I like how the Summer Institute provides an introduction to a student’s college life in the engineering field. Participating in hands-on projects and living in the dorm were amazing and fun experiences that I will not forget.”

“I enjoyed the balance between class and free time and activities so it wasn’t a stressful experience. I also tried a few things I’ve never done before which was exciting.”

“I loved the experience. I made friends during the program and connections through IEEE that I will cherish. I cannot wait to continue to pursue the field of Electrical Engineering!”

“I particularly enjoyed the Real World Real Solutions challenge, as it was intriguing and helped us think about what the world needs from engineers in the future.”

It’s not too late to participate in our summer 2025 sessions! Register for the TryEngineering Summer Institute today at one of our several campus locations across the US, and ignite your passion for engineering.

At the TryEngineering Summer Institute, we take learning beyond the classroom and into the real world! With exclusive field trips, we offer students a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology and gain insights from industry professionals. For a glimpse of what we offer, take a look at the field trips we provided for the 2024 TryEngineering Summer Institute sessions:

University of Pennsylvania 

On the East Coast, the TryEngineering Summer Institute was hosted at The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia. Participants were treated to a field trip with the South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Association (SEPTA), through their partnership with AECOM. Students toured SEPTA’s facilities, learning about the engineering behind public transportation systems and the innovative projects aimed at improving urban mobility.

 

Rice University 

In Houston, Texas, students attended the TryEngineering Summer Institute at the historic Rice University. While participating at Rice, students visited Space Center Houston, where former astronauts introduced the students to the world and history of aerospace engineering and space exploration. The field trip included interactive exhibits, and a firsthand look at the technologies used in space missions, and information about the latest advancements in space technology.

University of San Diego 

The University of San Diego, located in California, also hosted the TryEngineering Summer Institute. Participants enjoyed a visit to Qualcomm, where they learned about cutting-edge technology and toured the Qualcomm museum. They explored the company’s innovations in wireless technology, participated in hands-on activities, and had the opportunity to interact with engineers working on the latest tech developments.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this transformative experience! Register now for the TryEngineering Summer Institute and secure your spot for an unforgettable summer. Plus, stay ahead of the curve by signing up for our mailing list and be the first to know about the exciting field trips being planned for the 2025 TryEngineering Summer Institute.