The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute offered a unique opportunity for students aged 13 to 17 to explore various engineering disciplines, including aerospace and artificial intelligence. This nine-day summer camp, held across five U.S. university campuses, engaged 311 students this year, significantly up from over 80 participants during its inaugural year in 2018. The program provided hands-on experiences, expert interactions, and insights into real-world engineering challenges.
Engaging Activities Across Multiple Campuses
At the University of Pennsylvania, students experienced a blend of historical and cultural learning. They visited the Franklin Institute, where an IEEE volunteer discussed various technologies on display. A representative from the Philadelphia International Airport shared insights into engineering solutions that keep the bustling airport operational. Students also learned from engineers at Salesforce about creative problem-solving and the application of technology across industries. One participant remarked, “I enjoyed the microcontroller lessons the most because I was able to combine my computer programming skills with my friend’s electrical skills to create something I wouldn’t have been able to make on my own.”
At Rice University, students tackled engineering challenges by designing and testing bridges and gliders. In one notable activity, students built balsa wood bridges, testing their strength under increasing weight until failure. Another challenge involved aircraft design, fostering teamwork and critical thinking. As one student noted, “I enjoyed the challenges because they were interesting and competitive, helping us develop more critical thinking and teamwork skills.” A highlight included a visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where students interacted with former astronauts and learned about rocket engineering.
The University of San Diego offered participants a chance to construct gliders and devise solutions to the “toxic popcorn challenge,” which focused on safely eliminating harmful kernels. Students toured Qualcomm’s headquarters, emphasizing the importance of such programs for those without access to engineering classes in their schools. One student stated, “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering.”
Leadership and Innovation at Columbia and Georgia Tech
Columbia University’s camp, organized in partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), incorporated leadership sessions into the curriculum. Students visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst in New Jersey, where U.S. Air Force and Marine personnel introduced them to advanced technologies used in rescue missions. Participants had hands-on experiences with helicopters and flying drones, enhancing their understanding of aerospace technology.
At the Georgia Institute of Technology, support from local organizations enabled 20 students to attend the camp at no cost. Participants engaged in designing, building, and testing a robotic boat intended for humanitarian aid delivery, using plastic balls to simulate packages. Throughout the process, Georgia Tech students and faculty acted as mentors. Additionally, students presented their prototypes to faculty and parents, discussing the challenges they faced and the solutions they developed.
The program also featured a collaborative group activity called “sparking solutions,” where teams identified engineering problems and developed prototypes for potential solutions. Judges from the IEEE Educational Activities preuniversity education coordinating committee evaluated the projects based on demand, passion, design, and presentation effectiveness.
The Summer Institute’s success is partly attributed to the Educational Activities Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation. Funding from various IEEE societies allowed 45 students to participate, reinforcing IEEE’s commitment to nurturing future innovators. A scholarship recipient shared their transformation: “Before I attended the summer camp, I was not sure if I was cut out to be an engineer. But after my wonderful experience at the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, I am sure that this will be the right career path for me.”
The TryEngineering Summer Institute continues to inspire young minds, providing them with essential skills and insights into the diverse fields of engineering. This year’s camp has left a lasting impact, equipping participants with knowledge and experiences that will shape their future educational and career paths.
