For high school students considering studying engineering in college, preparation goes beyond strong math and science grades. Colleges value applicants who understand what engineering involves and who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and persistence. The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, offered in partnership with NSLC, gives teens early exposure to college level engineering through hands-on learning on real university campuses. Our summer program provides meaningful pre-college experiences that support future academic success.

Experience Engineering Before College

Participating in an immersive engineering summer program helps students explore the field in a meaningful and realistic way. Through hands-on, project based learning, students tackle open-ended engineering challenges that require problem solving, experimentation, and creative thinking. Instead of following step-by-step instructions, they learn how to navigate uncertainty and refine ideas, building familiarity with the types of challenges they will encounter in college.

Build Skills That Support College Success

College engineering programs emphasize collaboration, communication, and critical thinking alongside technical knowledge. Throughout the TryEngineering Summer Institute, students work in teams where they practice sharing ideas, listening to feedback, and contributing to group solutions. They also develop time management and problem solving habits that align closely with college expectations, helping them feel more prepared for the pace and rigor of future coursework.

Strengthen College Applications

A focused engineering summer experience can add meaningful depth to college applications. Participation shows a student’s commitment to exploring engineering beyond the classroom and demonstrates readiness to take on academic challenges. Students leave with concrete examples they can reference in essays and interviews, allowing them to speak authentically about projects they built, obstacles they overcame, and lessons learned through hands-on engineering.

Build Confidence and Clarity About Engineering

Just as important as academic preparation is the confidence students gain by working through challenging concepts in a supportive environment. Many students leave the program more certain about pursuing engineering in college, while others gain clarity that helps guide future academic decisions. Both outcomes support more informed choices about college pathways.

Enroll Now for Summer 2026

Registration for Summer 2026 is now open. Each session offers an immersive experience that challenges students to think critically, collaborate, and explore engineering at a deeper level. Explore available sessions and secure a spot for your teen today.