Soar to New Heights: Aerospace Engineering Module
Ignite your teen's passion for flight at the TryEngineering Summer Institute. This immersive summer program is designed for high school students, and allows them to learn more about the exciting world of aerospace engineering. Through interactive projects and learning sessions, they'll explore the science and math behind flight! Our aerospace engineering module not only provides a thrilling learning experience but also equips students with valuable skills and real-world experience, making it a valuable addition to their college applications.
Students will learn fundamental concepts like lift, drag, and propulsion. We'll also challenge your teen to think like a future innovator. Through engaging design challenges, they'll experience aspects of aerospace engineering firsthand, which could lead to a successful STEM career in the future.
At the TryEngineering Summer Institute, students do more than just learn from lectures; they'll collaborate with peers on challenging aerospace engineering projects under the guidance of our experienced staff and guest speakers. During our engineering summer camp, they will even have the opportunity to witness engineering in action with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and field trips in order to observe how real aerospace engineers tackle complex problems and translate theory into reality.
While aerospace engineering is the primary focus of this module, our engineering camp also explores other exciting disciplines of engineering. Students can delve into the fundamentals of civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, students will have a chance to discover which field they're most interesting in pursuing.
Our Aerospace Engineering Project:
At the TryEngineering Summer Institute, we prioritize hands-on learning as we believe it is the most effective way to grasp the fundamental principles of aerospace engineering. Lectures are just the beginning, the real excitement lies in our engaging projects. The centerpiece of our aerospace engineering module is the Glider & Wing Design project, where students will have the opportunity to design, build, and test their own flying machines. Throughout this project, students will learn key concepts while also developing crucial skills including problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking.
Glider & Wing Design
With the help of our aerospace summer program staff, students will leverage the fundamental principles of flight, including lift, drag, and center of gravity, to design and construct a glider capable of carrying a significant payload—an actual shoebox! This challenging task will push their creativity and problem-solving skills to new heights, all while learning about aerospace engineering. This hands-on project provides a valuable learning experience by allowing students to experience the thrill of aerospace engineering in three different phases.
Phase 1: Design & Planning
- Conceptualization: Students research different glider designs, considering factors like wing shape, size, and airfoil.
- Planning: Students plan out their proposed glider designs and choose the optimal materials, shape, and design of their glider.
- Calculations: Students might perform basic calculations related to wing area, aspect ratio, and center of gravity to optimize their designs for flight.
Phase 2: Building
- Material Selection: Students select appropriate materials for their gliders.
- Construction: Carefully construct gliders based on their designs.
Phase 3: Testing and Refinement
- Flight Testing: Students test their gliders by launching them and observing their flight characteristics.
- Data Collection: They measure flight distance, duration, and stability to help optimize for the perfect glider.
- Analysis and Refinement: Based on their observations, students analyze their gliders, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments to their designs.
Learning Objectives:
- Engineering Principles: Students learn about fundamental concepts like aerodynamics, lift, drag, and stability.
- Design Process: They experience the entire design process, from initial concept to testing and refinement.
- Problem-Solving: They develop problem-solving skills as they encounter challenges and find solutions.
- Teamwork: Throughout our aerospace engineering project students work in teams, fostering collaboration and communication skills.
- Creativity and Innovation: Students are encouraged to think creatively and come up with unique glider designs.
Program Highlights
Hands-On Design Challenges
Exclusive Guest Speakers
Exciting VIP Tours
and Field Trips
Access University Engineering Labs and Tech Spaces
2025 Summer Camp Dates & Locations
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Session 1
June 29th - July 7th
Session 2
July 11th - July 19th
Tuition Pricing
$4,095
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
Session 1
June 11th - June 19th
Session 2
June 24th - July 2nd
Tuition Pricing
$4,095
Rice University
Houston, TX
Session 1
June 29th - July 7th
Session 2
July 11th - July 19th
Tuition Pricing
$4,095
Columbia University
New York, NY
Session 1
July 12th - July 20th
Session 2
July 24th - August 1st
Tuition Pricing
$4,295
Our Engineering Summer Program: Curriculum Overview
The TryEngineering Summer Institute is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about aerospace engineering, but we offer so much more! Our summer program is a comprehensive experience that provides students with a well-rounded introduction to different engineering disciplines. Explore modules in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, and electrical engineering, each with its own exciting projects, hands-on activities, and expert guest speakers. Let your teen discover their passions and explore the diverse world of engineering. Click below to view the full summer camp curriculum and learn more about locations, dates, and everything you need to decide if the TryEngineering Summer Institute is the perfect fit for your teen.
The TryEngineering Institute is perfect to:
- Gain valuable experience for your college resume: Participate in multi-disciplinary projects in electrical, civil, mechanical, aerospace, and other engineering disciplines in order to demostrate hands-on skills and passion for STEM.
- Get a taste of college life: Experience college life by living on a real college campus, making new friends, and creating lasting memories with fellow campers.
- Learn from the best: Engage with professionals working in engineering while gaining valuable insights into real-world engineering applications and future career possibilities.
- Develop essential skills: Learn to think like an engineer while building critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills—essential for success in any aerospace engineering field.
- Experience real-world engineering: Find out how engineering is applied in the real world, as well as how it's shaping our future, including how engineers work in teams to solve local and global challenges.
In addition to these benefits, our summer engineering camp is the perfect place to make new, like-minded friends!
Curriculum OverviewWhy You Should Choose the TryEngineering Summer Institute
The TryEngineering Summer Institute offers an opportunity for your teen to explore the fields of engineering. If you are searching for an aerospace engineering camp for this summer look no further. Our aerospace engineering module features hands on learning projects, professional guest speakers, and field trips to see real engineers at work. Students even get the opportunity to learn more than aerospace engineering! The TryEngineering Summer Institute offers modules across four engineering disciplines, ensuring that no matter your interests, we're equipped to ignite your journey toward future success.
We are more than just an aerospace engineering program for high school students. Our summer program goes past exploring aerospace engineering, as we encourage students to make new friends, gains skills around critical thinking, and set up a promising future in a STEM career. All while living and experiencing a real life college campus!
Have Questions? We have Answers!
TryEngineering FAQs
The TryEngineering Summer Institute is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all participants. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that threatens the safety of others, damages property, or disrupts the program, including but not limited to: alcohol and drug use, theft, harassment of any kind (sexual, racial, or personal), and any behavior that is disrespectful or harmful. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, which could include dismissal from the program.
Student safety is our top priority. We provide a safe and supportive environment with 24/7 supervision in residence halls, direct supervision during all off-campus activities, and the support of on-campus college security.
Roommate assignments consider student preferences and age, with groupings based on self-described gender and age for optimal comfort. Live-in staff members reside on each floor to provide ongoing support and guidance within the residential community.
Yes!
International students are responsible for obtaining the necessary visa to attend the TryEngineering Summer Institute. A tourist visa (typically a B-1/B-2 visa) is generally sufficient. F-1 and M-1 student visas are usually not required for this short-term program. Students should obtain their visas from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The Institute does not provide visa assistance. We can provide a letter of invitation upon request. An optional airport drop-off/pick-up service is available.
Please call or email us with any questions: +1 315-816-4023 / info@tryengineeringinstitute.org
Pickup: Parents will receive a phone call the night before the student’s flight to confirm all information. Parents will also receive an email with the name and photo of the person conducting the pick-up, so students will know who to look for. Staff members will be waiting just past security in a TryEngineering Summer Institute t-shirt with a sign containing the student’s name and the Summer Institute logo. Parents will receive a call as soon as the student pick-up is complete. Assistance is provided with baggage pick-up and loading items into a professionally driven transport. Students are then personally escorted directly to the residence hall.
Drop off: Students are transported from the dorm with ample time before their flight departure. Students will receive assistance with check-in and baggage drop-off, and are escorted to security. Please ensure any baggage fees are prepaid prior to check-in. One staff member remains at the airport until all flights have departed, so if a flight is cancelled, someone is available to offer students assistance with re-booking or even returning to the dorm as necessary.
Please call +1 315-816-4023 with any questions about the flight pick-up and drop-off service. International students may find it easier to email us at info@tryengineeringinstitute.org
To enhance the summer experience, the TryEngineering Summer Institute will exclusively host sleepaway students this year. We encourage participants to immerse themselves fully in the program, fostering independence, building lasting friendships, and creating unforgettable memories through 24/7 camp activities and a vibrant residential community
Yes. All of our host sites are familiar with students who have food allergies and can make arrangements for this. We take this very seriously. Please let us know in advance if students have any food allergies or restrictions and we will work with you and dining services to make arrangements based on your needs. Vegetarian options will also be available at every meal.
Final payment is due May 15th, 2025. Join us to see if you would like to become an engineer! Registrations after this date must be paid in full.
Yes! Need-based scholarships are available to eligible U.S. residents. These scholarships may cover full or partial tuition costs. To see the full list of information and to apply, please visit our scholarship page.
If you don't see your question above, feel free to reach out! You can contact us via our online form, email us at info@tryengineeringinstitute.org, or call +1 315-816-4023.