TryEngineering Summer Institute

An exciting ten day, on-campus engineering camp for high school students held at premier universities across the United States.

TryEngineering at Columbia University

 

TryEngineering Summer Institute at Columbia University in partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)

The goal of our engineering camp is to spark enthusiasm in engineering and technology in the next generation of problem-solvers and difference-makers, and position these innovators for long-term success in academics and in life. Leadership, collaboration, and developing their own voices are critical components of the program.

2025 Engineering Summer Program Dates:

Session 1: July 12th- July 20th

Session 2: July 24th - August 1st

The location of the program is:  Morris A. Schapiro Hall, Columbia University.   

 

Enrollment Info

Specific Information About This Location

  1.  Age 14 - 17 only. The venue sets the minimum age for students to attend is 14 years of age by the time the student sets foot on campus.  The maximum age the program accepts is 17 years of age by the time the student completes their session.
  2.  Residential-only.  This location does not accept day students.
  3.  Singles and Doubles.  Students will be placed in a mix of singles and doubles.  You may make a request during the sign-up process, and we cannot guarantee which room style you will get until check-in.
  4.  Explore NYC. In the evenings, students will have the opportunity to explore various famous and exciting spots throughout the city, accompanied by staff. Our team has extensive experience running programs in NYC and makes sure each outing is safe, fun, and memorable. Students travel in small groups with assigned RAs and a carefully organized system for communication.
  5. First-come, first served.  We have a limited space, so book while you can.  If it shows as available in the registration system, take it.  It won't be there for long.
  6. Not endorsed by Columbia.  TryEngineering Summer Institute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Columbia University.

 

The 2025 sessions at Columbia University are operated through a partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC). The NSLC provides an immersive pre-college experience that prepares students for life beyond middle and high school, allowing them to study in university classrooms, learn to navigate a campus, and experience living with roommates. Students are able to explore a career concentration they are interested in before going into college and declaring a major. NSLC manages the daily operations and residential life components at Columbia University.

Learn about our Engineering Summer Program

Is your high school student curious about how the world works, itching to solve problems, and bursting with creative ideas? If so, the TryEngineering Summer Institute could be the perfect summer adventure!

Our New York City engineering program is located at Morris A. Schapiro Hall, Columbia University.

Our Columbia University, is open to students aged 14-17. This program provides a comprehensive overview of engineering, featuring many different modules of traditional engineering. Through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and industry speakers, your teen will acquire practical experience, learn diverse engineering disciplines, and engage with inspiring professionals at the forefront of innovation.

Our summer engineering program isn't just about learning; it's about sparking lifelong passions, building valuable skills, and fostering a spirit of innovation. Let your teenager experience the thrill of engineering firsthand in the heart of New York City and watch their potential take flight!

Take a quick look at some of our engineering camp modules and projects, then look at our full program curriculum to see if this is right for you!

Academic Modules

Electrical Engineering

Our electrical engineering module dives deep into the science behind how electricity works. You won't just be learning in this module but you will also be doing!

Get ready to be hands on and put your new found electrical engineering knowledge to use. You will be building circuits with colorful LEDs and resistors, master the art of soldering, and even create your own mini AM radio.

This engineering summer camp module  is all about getting hands-on, building your technical skills, and transforming you from a learner into a real inventor! If you have an interest in electrical engineering then our summer program is perfect for you!


Mechanical Engineering

If you have ever dreamt of building your own robots then keep reading about our mechanical engineering module!

This engineering summer program module will get you started on your journey by not only teaching you the basics of mechanical engineering, but also letting you have hands on experience. You will be put into teams and tasked with constructing a fully functional robot arm!

Together all of our students will delve into the science behind how robots move, giving you a deeper understanding of mechanical engineering. This challenge will also put your team work to the test, to see if you can work together with your fellow campers.

Once you have your robot arm built you will be ready to test your skills with our dice stacking showdown! Work with your team, put your engineering knowledge to the test, and build the tallest tower possible – all with just dice!


Aerospace Engineering

Have you ever been curious about the science behind flight? Our aerospace engineering module lets you explore your curiosity as you learn more about flight from our faculty from IEEE!

First you will learn the basics in the class room, analyzing how different materials, shapes, and structures all work together to make airplanes soar. Then once you understand the basics, get ready to learn design concepts and testing methods through fun, hands-on projects.

Collaboration and friendly competition are encouraged as you team up with other campers to build a glider that can travel the farthest while carrying a shoebox-sized payload. This is your chance to unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills, and see your ideas take flight (literally)!


Civil Engineering

Ever wonder how massive structures like bridges are made? Have you ever thought about how you may be able to build and design them yourself?

In this exciting civil engineering module, you'll get to do just that! We'll explore the amazing world of bridge design, learning how they handle enormous weight and connect entire communities. You will start your civil engineering journey in the classroom, learning more about the science behind these modern marvels.

Then get ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test with a fun challenge. Work with your fellow student engineers to build bridges of all shapes and sizes, experimenting with different materials. The team that creates the strongest and most impressive bridge will be rewarded with a delicious pizza party! So, unleash your inner architect, get creative, and let's build something amazing together!

Explore the Full Summer Program

If you want to explore the full engineering summer program curriculum and learn more about every module, every challenge, and every skill you will acquire this summer click the button below. The TryEngineering Summer Institute is more than what we listed above to make sure to take a lot at everything we have to offer!

Curriculum Overview

The Campus at Columbia University

Learn more about life at our summer engineering camp located at Morris A. Schapiro Hall, Columbia University.

Hosted in New York City's historic Upper Manhattan, you will have the opportunity to live and learn where generations of thinkers have come to shape the world. Not only will you be minutes away from exploring one of the world's best cities, but on campus you'll find peaceful green spaces like the South Lawn and the Italian Garden, offering the perfect balance between academic pursuits and time to relax and collect thoughts. Learn more about our New York City engineering camp campus including the dorms, and our engineering summer program below:

 

 

 

The Campus:

Our summer engineering program offers the classic college experience, with a vibrant city backdrop. The university's historic buildings are impressive, and they're a big part of what makes this place special. There's a great energy on campus, and it's easy to get excited about learning engineering!

This summer, TryEngineering Summer Institute campers will get a taste of college life and discover the amazing world of engineering. They'll be learning in the classroom and exploring the exciting city of New York. It's a chance to see what college is like and to experience all that the city has to offer. This program will help them get ready for a future in engineering and give them a chance to be part of a really cool community."

Students may get to explore Manhattan during the session.


The Dorms: 

TryEngineering Summer Institute students will have the unique opportunity to stay in Morris A. Schapiro Hall, a historic residence hall on Columbia University's campus. This iconic building offers a glimpse into college life, with comfortable dorm rooms, shared common spaces, and easy access to campus amenities. Students can expect to meet new friends from around the United States, enjoy engineering sessions during the day, and participate in fun social activities. Living on campus provides an immersive experience that will make their time at our New York engineering camp even more memorable.

Living on campus for a week will give students a true college experience. By sharing a dorm room with a new friend, they'll bond over their engineering sessions,  make meaningful connections, and share adventures. This immersive pre-college experience will not only prepare students for their upcoming college life but also provide them with a chance to grow, learn, and make lifelong friendships.


The Field Trip: 

Students attending the TryEngineering Summer Institute at Columbia University's campus this year will have the opportunity to visit Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. This exclusive field trip is designed to provide students with a firsthand look at real-world engineering applications within a military context. This tour will provide insights from active engineers, showcasing how STEM principles are vital to operations and technology at the base.

 

Still Not Sure if Our Camp is Right for You?

Our camp is more than just an engineering summer program, it's a launchpad for their future. In just nine days, they'll discover the real-world impact of engineering, from tackling complex challenges to creating innovative solutions. We'll equip them with the skills and enthusiasm to excel in academics, prepare them for exciting career paths, and empower them to become the problem-solvers and difference-makers of tomorrow. All while they build confidence, developing critical skills, and forge lifelong friendships with like-minded peers who share their excitement.

The unexpected benefits of attending our program include personal growth and development.  That looks like power of voice, confidence, and a sense of empowerment for the future.
Meet A Graduate

 

Ready to Have the Summer of a Lifetime

If you think the TryEngineering Summer institute is right for you then what are you waiting for?! If building robots, meeting new friends, and shaping the future sounds exciting, enroll today! Spots at our engineering camp are in high-demand and registrations fill up fast – last year, we had more than one location sell out before summer began! Set your child on a path to endless possibilities. Register now and join the TryEngineering Summer Institute adventure!

Register Now!

 

Have Questions? We have Answers!

TryEngineering FAQs

If you don't see your question above feel free to reach out! Nothing beats our New York City engineering camp. You can Contact us via our online form, email us at info@tryengineeringinstitute.org or call +1 315-816-4023.

 

2025 Camp Dates & Locations

Engineering camp for high school students at Penn.


University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

Session 1
June 29th - July 7th - Sold Out!

Session 2
July 11th - July 19th

Engineering camp for high school students at Rice University.


Rice University

Houston, Texas

 

Session 1
June 29th - July 7th

Session 2
July 11th - July 19th - Sold Out!

Engineering camp for high school students at USD is fun and educational.


University of San Diego

San Diego, California

 

Session 1
June 11th - June 19th - Sold Out!

Session 2
June 24th - July 2nd


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