TryEngineering Summer Institute
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.
2025 Engineering Summer Program Dates:
Session 1: June 29th - July 8th
Session 2: July 11th - July 20th
Learn about our Engineering Summer Program
Is your teenager curious about the world of engineering? Spark their passion for innovation at our action-packed engineering camp! If your teen is curious about how things work, loves solving problems, and has a head full of creative ideas, then our engineering summer camp is the perfect summer adventure for them.
Designed for students ages 13-17, this immersive program goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, offering a glimpse into the exciting and diverse world of engineering. Through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and industry tours, your teenager will get real-life experience, explore different engineering fields, and meet inspiring professionals shaping the future
Our engineering camp for high school students 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 and watch their potential take flight!
Take a quick look at some of our engineering summer program modules and projects, then look at our full program curriculum to see if this is right for you
Electrical Engineering
If you're curious about the science of how electricity works, our summer engineering camp's electrical engineering module is calling your name!
This module will transform you from a curious observer to an inventor. Build circuits with colorful LEDs and resistors, master the art of soldering like a pro, and you will even get to create your own mini AM radio!
This module is designed to spark your curiosity, build technical skills, and empower you to become an inventor, not just a learner.
Mechanical Engineering
Have you ever been curious about how robots work? Do you imagine building amazing machines with your own hands? If so, our summer camp's mechanical engineering module is designed just for you!
With this module you will construct your very own robot arm. This isn't just about building; it's about unleashing your creativity, understanding the science behind the mechanical engineering.
Then, put your newfound knowledge to the test in the thrilling Dice Stacking Showdown. Collaborate with your team, apply your engineering skills strategically, and build the tallest tower possible, using only dice.
Aerospace Engineering
Our aerospace engineering module allows curious explorers delve into the science behind flight. Analyze the impact of different materials, shapes, and structures on aircraft design. You will discover how each element works together to allow for flight.
Learn design concepts and testing methods through hands-on projects, all while collaborating with your team and having some friendly competition. Unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills as you work to build a glider that can travel the furthest while carrying a shoebox. This is your chance to discover the real world of aerospace engineering and see your ideas take flight!
Civil Engineering
Ready to unleash your inner architect and build awesome projects? Join our thrilling civil engineering summer camp module for a challenge that will ignite your curiosity.
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of bridge design. Learn how they handle massive loads and connect communities, then put your knowledge to the test! You will work with other students to build bridges of all shapes and sizes, and experiment with different materials. The team who is able to build the best bridge will win a pizza party!
Explore our Full Engineering 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!
Our Campus at Rice University
Located on a beautiful 300-acre campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University offers an unparalleled opportunity for teens to attend engineering camps for high school students in Texas. Ranked among the nation's best engineering schools, Rice boasts a rich academic tradition and fosters a culture of ground-breaking research in areas like robotics, space exploration, and sustainable energy. Learn more about the campus at Rice University, the dorms, and the field trips for our summer engineering program students.
The Campus
On Rice University's campus, and you'll be greeted by a unique blend of history and innovation. Founded in 1912, the campus boasts a distinctive architectural style. Beyond the buildings, books for our engineering summer program on Rice's campus you will find lush greenery.
Stroll through the tranquil Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum, home to over 4,000 trees and take a quiet moment for your self where you can immerse yourself in the university's rich horticultural heritage.
Take a walk through this historic campus, where a passion for learning and discovery thrives alongside natural beauty and vibrant energy.
The Dorms
Call one of Rice University's vibrant residence halls your home during our summer engineering camp. You can relax in one of the spacious lounges, catch up with your new friends in a common area, and enjoy all the amenities Rice students utilize throughout the year. Get ready to feel like a true Rice Owl this summer while you push your engineering aspirations forward. You will get the chance to learn at the remarkable OEDK, the Rice Engineering Department's premier venue. Join us and discover the perfect blend of learning, living, and campus life!
The Field Trips
Our engineering summer camp isn't just limited to the classroom at Rice University, we also take exciting field trips that will allow you to experience some truly remarkable places. In past years we have taken engineering summer program students to the NASA Johnson Space Center. Located in Houston, this legendary facility has been at the heart of America's human spaceflight endeavors, and this summer, you may get exclusive access led by a true space veteran.
Students may have the opportunity to go on a guided tour by a retired Apollo propulsion engineer, one of the very minds who helped astronauts reach the moon! You will get the chance to see Mission Control, the iconic center of countless aerospace missions. Witness a place where astronauts train, within the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility, and stand in awe before the towering Saturn V moon rocket in Rocket Park.
Still Not Sure if Our Engineering Camp is Right for You?
Our camp is more than just a 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.
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, 3D printing, and shaping the future sounds exciting, what are you waiting for? 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!
Have Questions? We have Answers!
TryEngineering FAQs
We are committed to offering the TryEngineering Summer Institute community with an educational experience of the highest quality, while maintaining a safe, healthy and respectful environment. Conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person, or that poses a threat of causing damage to the Institute, campus or community, will not be excused from the program if need be. The Institute has a “Zero Tolerance” policy with regard to alcohol, illegal drugs, theft, lewd or indecent behavior, sexual, racial or personal harassment or intolerance, or causing damage to the facilities, tools, rooms etc.. Participants are subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal, for conduct in violation of these terms.
Student safety is our top priority! Throughout the day, students are offered a variety of supervised activities tailored to their interests and energy levels. Residence halls are staffed with live-in staff including the Program Director, the Program Health Director, and Resident Assistants who provide 24-hour supervision. Staff members are also always present on off-campus excursions. With an experienced, highly trained staff and the support if needed from on-campus college security, we provide the necessary supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Roommates are matched by age and by using the information provided in the roommate section of the application. Students are housed in residence halls, and organized and separated by self-described gender and age. Staff members will live on each floor to provide constant supervision and direction.
Yes! International students visiting the United States to attend the TryEngineering Summer Institute do not need anything other than a tourist visa. Neither an F-1 nor an M-1 visa is required. Visas can be obtained from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the student’s home country. We do not offer assistance in obtaining the visa or with entry into the United States. We can however provide a letter confirming a student’s participation in the program if needed. Students can be picked up at the airport using our optional drop-off/pick-up service.
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
Yes! We accept both commuter students and residential students. Commuter/day students have the convenience of living at home while residential students enjoy the complete university experience. Either way you are on the road to become an engineer!
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, 2024. Join us to see if you would like to become an engineer! Registrations after this date must be paid in full.
Yes! There are a limited number of need-based scholarships available to legal residents of the USA. There are full tuition and partial tuition scholarships available to those who meet the criteria. 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.
Learn About Rice Summer Camps
If you are spending the summer in Houston Texas there is no better way to further your education while also enjoying the season than being at a Rice University Summer camp. A university with such a proud tradition rooted in education is the perfect place to continuing learning outside of the school year. You can learn more about all the Rice University summer camps here, but of course we recommend you take a deep look at our 2025 Rice engineering camp.
There isn't a better overnight summer camp at Rice University than our engineer camp. Further your education and find a love for the field of engineer with us this summer!
2025 Camp Dates & Locations
Session 1
June 29th - July 8th
Session 2
July 11th - July 20
Session 1
June 12th -June 20th
Session 2
June 24th - July 3rd
Session 1
July 12th - July 20th
Session 2
July 24th - August 2nd