Teens Dive into Aerospace and AI at IEEE Summer Institute

The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute has concluded its annual program, offering an enriching experience for 311 students aged 13 to 17. Held across five prestigious U.S. universities, the nine-day sleepaway camp provided participants with hands-on activities focused on aerospace, artificial intelligence, and other engineering disciplines. Launched in 2018, the initiative aims to inspire the next generation of engineers through immersive learning experiences and meaningful connections.

The program took place at the following campuses: the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Rice University in Houston, the University of San Diego, the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, and Columbia University in New York City. Each location featured unique activities designed to enhance students’ understanding of engineering applications in real-world scenarios.

At the University of Pennsylvania, students engaged with engineers and learned about innovative technologies. They visited the Franklin Institute, where an IEEE volunteer elaborated on various exhibits, and attended presentations from professionals at the Philadelphia International Airport and Salesforce. One participant remarked, “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering,” highlighting the program’s comprehensive approach to education.

Rice University students tackled engineering challenges such as constructing bridges from balsa wood. The bridge challenge allowed them to test their designs under weight, fostering teamwork and critical thinking. A visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center added a unique element to their experience, providing insight into the engineering behind space exploration. “I enjoyed the challenges because they were interesting and competitive,” one student stated, reflecting on the collaborative environment fostered by the program.

Meanwhile, at the University of San Diego, participants built and tested gliders, addressing a hypothetical challenge involving toxic popcorn kernels. This hands-on activity was complemented by a tour of Qualcomm’s headquarters, reinforcing the connection between theory and industry practice. A student noted, “TryEngineering is an invaluable resource, especially for students who don’t have access to engineering classes or a robotics team at their school.”

Columbia University’s camp included leadership sessions facilitated by the National Student Leadership Conference. Students visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst, where U.S. Air Force and Marine representatives showcased advanced technologies used in rescue missions. This experience, along with explorations of the American Museum of Natural History and Times Square, provided a broad educational experience beyond traditional engineering topics.

At the Georgia Institute of Technology, support from local partners allowed 20 high school students to attend the program at no cost. Participants worked on designing and testing robotic boats intended for humanitarian aid delivery, guided by Georgia Tech students and faculty. These collaborative projects emphasized critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential attributes for aspiring engineers. “The program is a great opportunity to explore different branches of engineering,” one student commented.

At all campuses, students participated in the Sparking Solutions group activity, where they identified engineering problems and proposed solutions. This exercise culminated in presentations to volunteer judges from the IEEE Educational Activities preuniversity education coordinating committee. Teams were evaluated based on demand for their solutions, presentation effectiveness, and overall design quality, with awards given to top performers.

Scholarships funded by various IEEE societies enabled 45 students to attend the Summer Institute, significantly increasing accessibility. 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 this will be the right career path for me.” Another added, “Now that I have experienced all of the disciplines of engineering, I am better educated in the field as a whole.”

The TryEngineering Summer Institute continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of engineering education. By fostering an engaging, supportive environment, the program not only cultivates technical skills but also builds lasting friendships and memories for its participants.