The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute (TESI), in partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 need-based Scholarship Program are now open! Each year, this scholarship expands access to our hands-on engineering summer program, enabling more rising high school students to explore engineering disciplines, build technical skills, and gain confidence in a supportive university setting.
Whether you are a student interested in engineering or an educator, mentor, or parent supporting a young innovator, this is the ideal time to apply.
About the TESI Scholarship Program
The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute Scholarship provides financial assistance for students who want to attend our Engineering Program during Summer 2026. To be eligible, applicants must be:
- Rising 9th through 12th graders (ages 14–17) for the 2026–2027 academic year
- U.S. citizens who reside within the United States
- Able to demonstrate financial need
- Prepared to submit a personal essay as part of the application
- Able to provide one letter of recommendation
The scholarship application window closes March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Why This Scholarship Matters
TESI provides students with a unique opportunity to explore engineering through real-world projects, lab activities, and collaborative challenges. Participants work with tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, microcontrollers, and electronics kits, and they experience life on a university campus surrounded by like‑minded peers.
Our need‑based scholarship program helps ensure that financial barriers do not prevent motivated, curious students from accessing this transformative experience.
Scholarship Success Story
One of the most inspiring examples of the engineering scholarship’s impact is Natalie Ghannad, who attended the TryEngineering Summer Institute in 2022 at no cost to her family. Natalie discovered TESI during her junior year of high school after deciding to pursue engineering. Though new to the field, she quickly found herself energized by the program’s hands-on approach. She experimented with 3D printing, laser cutting, and rapid prototyping, gaining skills that later helped her succeed in her university engineering courses.
After completing her first year of college, Natalie returned to TESI—this time as part of the instructional team! As a staff member, she shared her passion for STEM, mentored future engineers, and helped create an inclusive learning environment for all students.
Today, Natalie is studying electrical engineering at the University of San Francisco, has co-founded the Society of Women Engineers chapter on her campus, and is helping develop a new IEEE student chapter. Her journey shows how a single experience can spark long‑lasting impact. To learn more about Natalie’s story, read the full spotlight article on TryEngineering.org.
Apply Today!
If you know a student who is curious, motivated, and ready to explore engineering, we encourage you to learn more about the scholarship and apply! The application window opens March 1, 2026, and closes March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Click here to learn more and start your scholarship application.