Teens Dive into Aerospace and AI at IEEE Summer Camp

A diverse group of 311 students from across the United States recently participated in the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, an immersive nine-day camp aimed at high school students aged 13 to 17. The program, which took place in July 2023 at five prestigious universities, provided participants with hands-on experience in various engineering disciplines, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and aerospace engineering.

The Summer Institute, administered by IEEE Educational Activities, began in 2018 and has seen consistent growth since its inception. This year, camps were held at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Rice University in Houston, University of San Diego, Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, and Columbia University in New York City, which was the latest addition organized in collaboration with the National Student Leadership Conference.

Innovative Learning Across Campuses

At each location, students engaged in hands-on activities and real-world engineering challenges. For instance, at the University of Pennsylvania, participants visited the Franklin Institute to learn about various technologies, while engineers from Salesforce discussed problem-solving strategies relevant across different industries. One participant noted, “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering.”

Similarly, students at Rice University took on engineering challenges that included designing and testing bridge structures using balsa wood and building gliders. “I enjoyed the challenges because they were interesting and competitive,” shared one student, highlighting the importance of teamwork and critical thinking.

Participants also had the opportunity to visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where they met former astronauts who shared insights on rocket engineering and career advice. Such experiences allowed students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

At the University of San Diego, students tackled the “toxic popcorn challenge,” which involved designing a solution to safely remove harmful kernels. They also toured the headquarters of Qualcomm, reinforcing the connection between technology and engineering.

Collaboration and Career Insights

Columbia University’s camp integrated leadership sessions into the curriculum, providing students with additional skills relevant for their future careers. Participants explored military technology during a visit to Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst, where they learned about the engineering behind rescue missions.

The Georgia Institute of Technology hosted 20 students from Georgia high schools at no cost, thanks to the support of the Georgia Space Grant Consortium and various IEEE technical societies. Students participated in building robotic boats, simulating the delivery of humanitarian aid. They showcased their prototypes to faculty members, illustrating their problem-solving processes.

Throughout the program, all participants engaged in a group project called “sparking solutions,” where they identified engineering problems and proposed innovative solutions. Teams presented their designs to a panel of judges from the IEEE Educational Activities preuniversity education coordinating committee.

The funding for this initiative was bolstered by the Educational Activities Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation, which provided scholarships for 45 students to attend the camp. Recipients expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing how the camp solidified their interest in pursuing engineering careers. One participant stated, “Before I attended, I was unsure if I was cut out to be an engineer. After my experience, I am sure that this will be the right career path for me.”

The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of young engineers by providing them with essential skills and exposure to various engineering fields, ultimately fostering innovation and leadership in the STEM community.