The TryEngineering Summer Institute is entering an exciting new chapter! Thanks to our partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), the 2026 program lineup now features five immersive high school experiences designed to help students explore the technologies shaping our world. What began as a single engineering‑focused program has grown into a dynamic collection of hands-on learning opportunities that give teens the chance to experiment, build, collaborate, and explore specific pathways in STEM.
Each program introduces students to cutting‑edge concepts through interactive simulations, team‑based challenges, and real‑world design experiences led by talented instructors and industry mentors. Whether your teen is curious about aerospace, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital security, or a broad overview of engineering, the TryEngineering Summer Institute offers a place for them to discover their interests and develop new skills.
Aerospace
Students in the Aerospace program step directly into the world of aviation and space exploration. Instead of simply learning about the science of flight, they’ll experience it through hands-on creation and testing. Projects like building UAVs, designing Mars‑inspired components, and experimenting with gliders and rockets help students explore how lift, drag, and propulsion come together in real aircraft. Wind turbines, payload challenges, and guided simulations add even more dimension. With skill rotations in soldering, CAD, and propulsion concepts, students will leave the program with a strong sense of how aerospace engineers turn imagination into innovation.
Artificial Intelligence
The Artificial Intelligence program introduces students to machine learning in a way that feels exciting and practical. Through interactive workshops and team‑based projects, they’ll learn how computers recognize patterns, interpret data, and make decisions. Students build and train models in Python, explore computer vision and natural language processing, and work with libraries like TensorFlow and Keras to bring AI concepts to life. As they transform raw data into meaningful results and tackle challenges inspired by real industries, students see firsthand how AI is reshaping the way the world works.
Biotechnology
The Biotechnology program invites students to explore the intersection of biology and engineering through hands-on experiments that mirror modern research. They’ll pull DNA from cells, run experiments that show how scientists study health and disease, and build projects that connect biology with engineering. In the lab, they’ll make simple solar cells, design parts in 3D, wire basic circuits, and create a myoelectric arm that moves using electrical signals from your body. One of the most memorable experiences is developing an artificial pancreas system, blending coding, biology, and problem solving in a uniquely meaningful way.
Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity program places students inside the world of digital security, inviting them to think like ethical hackers while learning how professionals protect information every day. Through hands-on activities, students will uncover vulnerabilities, analyze attacks as they unfold, and practice the steps that keep systems safe. Digital forensics, cryptography exercises, and explorations into smart‑device security help deepen their understanding of modern threats. The program wraps with friendly competitions that let students put their new skills to the test in fast‑paced, engaging scenarios.
Engineering
The Engineering program gives students a broad, energizing introduction to the field by letting them design, build, and test their ideas across multiple branches of engineering. Whether they’re creating robots, engineering drones, developing Sea Perch underwater vehicles, or building wind turbines, students get to see the design process come to life from concept to prototype. Skill rotations in soldering, programming, breadboarding, and CAD provide essential hands-on experience, helping students gain confidence as they explore how engineers solve real‑world problems.
Registration is Now Open
With five powerful programs to choose from, and an expanded curriculum made possible through our NSLC partnership, this is the perfect time for your teen to discover what inspires them! Explore each program in depth and register today to secure their spot for summer 2026.