Are you ready to spark your teen’s curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills this summer? The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute offers high school students a unique opportunity to dive into the world of engineering and technology, equipping them with the tools to succeed in both academics and life.
In partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), the TryEngineering Summer Institute introduces students to the exciting world of engineering. Hosted on prestigious college and university campuses across the United States and England through June to August, this co-ed program welcomes high school students ages 14–17 to explore what it truly means to be an engineer. Over nine immersive days, students engage in hands-on engineering design challenges, participate in exclusive field trips to see engineering in action, and learn from renowned guest speakers who bridge the gap between education and real-world careers.
Hands-On Learning That Inspires
At TryEngineering, students don’t just learn theory—they apply it. In the Aerospace program, participants build rockets and gliders while exploring the principles of lift, drag, and center of gravity. They design wind turbines to transform kinetic energy into electricity and rotate through practical skills lessons in soldering, CAD, and propulsion. For students interested in Artificial Intelligence, the program introduces AI fundamentals and coding with tools such as Python, Keras, and TensorFlow. They tackle real-world engineering challenges, develop AI toolkits, and even create social impact projects that apply their skills to global industries.
The Biotechnology program allows students to explore molecular biology through ELISA assays, DNA and enzyme analysis, PCR techniques, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. Participants also design and program devices like artificial pancreas systems and myoelectric prosthetics. Cybersecurity students practice digital forensics, cryptography, and command-line skills, while learning how to secure Internet-of-Things devices and competing in interactive “Capture the Flag” simulations. In the general Engineering track, students build drones, smart cars, and hydraulic robot arms, take on bridge-building and AM radio challenges, and explore renewable energy through wind turbine projects.
Exclusive Field Trips and Inspiring Guest Speakers
Each campus provides unique opportunities for students to experience engineering beyond the classroom. Off-campus field trips allow participants to see technology and innovation in action, while guest speakers—from industry leaders to academic innovators—offer insights into the future of STEM careers and inspire students to envision their own paths.
Program Locations
The TryEngineering Summer Institute is hosted at nine prestigious universities. Columbia University in New York offers an Engineering program, while Duke University in North Carolina features both Engineering and Aerospace programs. Georgetown University in Washington, DC, focuses on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, and Rice University in Houston delivers an innovation-driven Engineering program. The University of California, Berkeley, hosts Engineering, AI, and Biotechnology programs, while UCLA features Engineering and Aerospace. The University of Michigan, University of Oxford in England, and the University of Pennsylvania round out the locations with programs designed to prepare students for the global STEM landscape.
Why Choose TryEngineering?
By combining hands-on learning, real-world exposure, and mentorship from top STEM professionals, students develop critical problem-solving skills, gain teamwork and collaboration experience, acquire foundational knowledge in emerging technologies, and explore potential STEM career pathways.
Whether your teen is fascinated by rockets, AI, biotechnology, or cybersecurity, the TryEngineering Summer Institute equips them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to explore, create, and succeed.
