The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute recently concluded its immersive nine-day program, engaging students aged 13 to 17 in the fields of aerospace and artificial intelligence. The initiative, administered by IEEE Educational Activities, welcomed a total of 311 participants this year, a significant increase from over 80 in its inaugural year in 2018. The camp took place across five prominent U.S. universities: the University of Pennsylvania, Rice University, the University of San Diego, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Columbia University.
Students enjoyed hands-on activities, engaged with industry professionals, and learned about real-world engineering challenges. “TryEngineering allowed me to gain new experiences and understand different types of engineering disciplines,” one participant reflected, highlighting the friendships and lasting memories formed during the program.
Engaging Activities Across Campuses
At the University of Pennsylvania, students explored the historic campus and visited the Franklin Institute. An IEEE volunteer guided them through various technologies on display. They also heard from a speaker from the Philadelphia International Airport, who discussed engineering solutions that keep the busy airport operational. Engineers from Salesforce emphasized the significance of creative problem-solving across industries, providing insights that resonated with the students.
Participants in Philadelphia enjoyed hands-on sessions, particularly in microcontroller lessons. One attendee noted, “I enjoyed the microcontroller lessons the most because I was able to combine my computer programming skills with my friend’s electrical skills.”
Rice University provided a platform for students to tackle engineering challenges, such as designing and testing bridges and gliders. In a bridge-building competition, students constructed balsa wood structures, testing their strength under increasing weight. “I enjoyed the challenges because they were interesting and competitive, helping us develop critical thinking and teamwork skills,” remarked a student. A visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center allowed students to meet former astronauts and learn about the engineering behind rocket design.
Students at the University of San Diego built and tested gliders while working in teams to solve the “toxic popcorn challenge,” which required them to create a safe method for removing harmful kernels. A tour of Qualcomm’s headquarters further enriched their experience.
Leadership and Innovation at Columbia and Georgia Tech
Columbia University’s program, in collaboration with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), included leadership sessions alongside traditional engineering activities. Students visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst in New Jersey, where U.S. Air Force and Marine personnel showcased advanced rescue technology. Participants also had the opportunity to fly drones during the visit.
At the Georgia Institute of Technology, financial support from various organizations allowed 20 local high school students to attend the program free of charge. Participants engaged in building a robotic boat designed to deliver humanitarian aid packages. Mentorship from Georgia Tech students and faculty was a significant part of the learning process, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Students presented their boat prototypes to parents and faculty, detailing their problem-solving processes and challenges encountered throughout the project. The experience was complemented by visits to Accenture’s offices and discussions on STEM career paths with Siemens engineers. A highlight included a trip to the Delta Flight Museum, where students learned about aviation history.
All campuses participated in a collaborative activity called “sparking solutions,” where teams identified engineering problems and devised prototypes. Each team’s project was evaluated by judges from the IEEE Educational Activities preuniversity education coordinating committee, who provided feedback and assessed the presentations.
Scholarships and Future Aspirations
A key aspect of the Summer Institute is the scholarship program, funded through the Educational Activities Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation. This year, funding from several IEEE societies enabled 45 students to attend. One scholarship recipient expressed gratitude, stating, “Before I attended the summer camp, I was not sure if I was cut out to be an engineer. But after my wonderful experience, I am sure that this will be the right career path for me.”
The TryEngineering Summer Institute not only nurtures technical skills but also inspires a new generation of innovators and leaders in engineering. The hands-on experiences and insights gained during the program are invaluable for students contemplating their futures in STEM fields.
