Explore 9 Engineering Summer Program Campuses Across the U.S. and Abroad
The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute (TESI) is entering its most exciting summer yet! Through our new partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), we’re expanding our engineering summer program to nine amazing locations across the United States, plus our first program abroad at the University of Oxford.
Each campus has its own personality, strengths, and engineering vibe. While field trips vary from year to year, every location taps into the best STEM opportunities around it. Explore each of the locations below, and see where your engineering adventure can take you this summer.
Summer Programs by University Location
Columbia University — New York, NY
Columbia University places students in the heart of Manhattan, offering an engineering camp experience in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. The campus gives students access to top-tier engineering facilities, and New York City becomes an extension of the classroom with its museums, tech hubs, and historic institutions. It’s a great setting for students who thrive in fast-paced environments and want hands-on STEM and cultural experiences.
Duke University — Durham, NC
Located in the Research Triangle, Duke gives students the chance to study engineering in one of the most active technology regions in the country. The campus blends hands-on project work with exposure to nearby companies, research centers, and engineering-focused organizations. With its welcoming atmosphere and strong academic culture, Duke offers a balanced environment where students can grow their STEM interests and experience life at a leading research university.
Georgetown University — Washington, DC
Georgetown offers a unique perspective on engineering by connecting it to policy, security, and global affairs in Washington, D.C. Students learn in a setting that links technical skills to real-world impact, supported by nearby federal agencies, national research institutions, and major D.C. organizations shaping technology and public policy. This location is especially appealing to students interested in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or the intersection of technology and public service in the nation’s capital.
Rice University — Houston, TX
Rice University offers a close‑knit, collaborative community where students explore engineering through hands‑on projects and design. The campus culture encourages trying new ideas, building skills, and working in teams. Students also benefit from Houston’s broad STEM ecosystem, home to major research institutions, energy and aerospace companies, and tech‑driven industries. It’s an ideal place to see engineering in action both on campus and throughout the city.
UC Berkeley — Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley sits at the gateway to the Bay Area, giving students direct access to one of the world’s most innovative tech regions. The campus is known for pioneering research and an entrepreneurial culture, with opportunities to explore fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and engineering. Students also benefit from the surrounding Bay Area and Silicon Valley communities, which are filled with startups, research labs, and industry leaders. It’s a setting that encourages bold thinking, creativity, and real‑world STEM exploration.
UCLA — Los Angeles, CA
UCLA offers a dynamic environment where engineering connects with design, technology, and the cultural diversity of Los Angeles. Students learn on a campus known for strong engineering programs and close ties to major aerospace, entertainment tech, and innovation industries across Southern California. With access to advanced engineering labs and the energy of Los Angeles, this location is ideal for students seeking a future‑focused STEM experience in one of the nation’s leading tech hubs.
University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan offers top engineering programs and a strong research culture, creating an ideal setting for summer STEM exploration in Ann Arbor. Students learn in a community known for leadership in robotics, automotive engineering, mobility, and other fast‑growing fields. Ann Arbor adds the feel of a vibrant Midwest college town, giving students a welcoming place to dive into engineering and experience one of the region’s leading STEM hubs.
University of Oxford — Oxford, England
As the first international TESI campus, Oxford gives students a rare chance to study engineering within one of the oldest and most respected academic environments in the world. The setting blends historic architecture with modern engineering facilities and access to major scientific institutions across the UK. This location offers a uniquely international perspective, encouraging students to think broadly about engineering’s role across cultures, disciplines, and global challenges.
University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, PA
As a returning TESI campus, the University of Pennsylvania gives students the chance to experience engineering at an Ivy League institution in the heart of Philadelphia. Students explore engineering concepts in state‑of‑the‑art facilities and see how STEM connects to innovation, research, and urban development. Philadelphia’s mix of historic character and modern industry adds depth to the learning experience and creates a strong setting for hands‑on STEM exploration.
Find the Engineering Camp Location That Fits You
Whether students are drawn to the energy of New York City, the innovation of California, the research strength of the Midwest and South, or the historic charm of Oxford, each TESI campus offers a meaningful pre‑college engineering experience. With hands‑on projects, supportive instructors, and access to inspiring STEM environments, the 2026 program helps students discover what excites them and imagine what’s possible. Explore each location in depth and register today to secure your spot for the 2026 TryEngineering Summer Institute.
To learn more, NSLC is hosting 30‑minute virtual information sessions led by their Admissions Team. These sessions are open to anyone and offer an opportunity to ask questions about TESI, the scholarship program, and more. Click here to explore upcoming session dates and times.