Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off Service

TryEngineering Summer Institute offers airport pick-up and drop-off service for students that may not live locally. A professional staff member will meet your student at the airport and escort them to the TryEngineering Summer Institute campus on the day the program starts. At the end of the program, your teen will be escorted back to the airport, and our staff member will remain at the airport until their flight departs.

Airport pick up and drop off procedure

Booking the flight:

Arrival: On the first day of the session, anytime before noon is preferred.
Departure: On the last day of the session, anytime from Noon – 5pm is preferred.

If you cannot find flights at these times, please try to find one as close as possible, so we can group the pick ups and drop offs together. Once you have booked your flight, please forward the entire itinerary to us at info@tryengineeringinstitute.org. Please make sure the itinerary has the student name, date, time, and flight numbers included.

Is your student flying as an unaccompanied minor? You will need the name, address, and phone number of the staff member that will be picking up or dropping off your student. We do not assign the staff members until camp begins, so in the meantime, you will need a placeholder. Please contact us, and we will provide the contact info for the director on-site. Then when camp begins, you will be able to call the airline and change it to the person who will be there.

The day before the flight, the director will be in contact with you to confirm all of the flight info, and assign the staff member that will be in charge of the pick up or drop off. Then the staff member will text a photo of themselves to your student and make sure they have each other saved in their phones.

Upon arrival, the assigned staff member will be waiting at baggage claim with a camp T-shirt and their cell phone in hand. Once your student exits the plane they can call the staff member (and you!) to meet up, grab their bags, and head back to campus in a cab or shuttle.

Staff members will also drop off students at the airport. Students are transported by cab or airport shuttle. The staff member will help them get checked in, and check baggage. (Note: If your student is checking a bag, please be sure to send along cash for any fees that might need to be paid on the return flight for luggage. This will vary from airline to airline.)

If your teen is flying as an unaccompanied minor, our staff member will escort them through security and wait with them until the plane takes off. If your student doesn’t need an escort, then our staff member will remain at the airport until the plane takes off. If you have any questions regarding this procedure please feel free to give us a call anytime. (315) 816-4023

Local Tours and Attractions at Rice University

Previous field trips included:

Johnson Space Center (JSC) and had a behind-the-scenes tour:

NASA Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston – We will again tour this famed facility each summer because we know engineers who work there and it has been the center of all US human spaceflight for more than 50 years. On a guided behind-the-scenes tour, conducted by a retired Apollo propulsion engineer who helped get astronauts to the Moon, we will visit Mission Control, the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility where our Rice camp engineering students will get to see current astronauts train and the historic Rocket Park to see the Saturn V moon rocket. We will have access to Space Center Houston and all of the artifacts and displays that trace US achievements in space and how engineers and scientists have contributed. This summer our Rice camp for engineering will be even better!

Local Tours and Attractions USD

With nonstop sunshine and the beaches, strands, shopping and more just a stone’s throw from campus, our USD TESI students will really have a wonderful summer. With such beautiful surroundings, we get the chance to explore and maybe even find the legendary fish taco truck!

Previous field trips included:

Qualcomm

Students at our University of San Diego location will tour Qualcomm headquarters this year. A semiconductor company that inspired the smartphone revolution. Pioneering 3G and 4G, the world-renowned company is now working on 5G. Students will explore the Qualcomm museum and experience demos on some of the latest technologies such as drones, intelligently connected wearables, virtual and augmented reality, and smart city innovation. This is awesome!

Enroll Now

Local Tours and Attractions at Penn

The University of Pennsylvania is a fabulous, safe urban campus located in the heart of Philadelphia. This allows us easy access to many of the local sights, sounds and flavors available to us!

We are definitely going to source the best Philly cheesesteak sandwiches because of course why not?!?! We will also make excursions in the evenings and on the weekend to destinations and activities that the students often choose. This is very exciting!

Previous trips included:

Boeing Ridley Park

We will get a behind the scenes tour of the Boeing Ridley Park facility! Boeing is a leading producer of both commercial and military aircraft, and the Ridley Park site is part of the Boeing Defense Vertical Lift Division. Boeing Ridley Park is the manufacturing center for the CH-47 Chinook aircraft, the V-22 Osprey fuselage and Common Configuration – Readiness and Modernization (CC-RAM), and delivery center for the MH-139 aircraft. About 4,500 employees work at this site. Students will have the opportunity to tour the production lines for the CH-47 and V-22 and also interact and learn from the engineers who are working on these amazing products.

Philadelphia International Airport

We will be touring the new expansion of the PHL airport with one of our guest speakers, Api Appulingam. She oversees a multi-billion dollar program tasked with making critical improvements and developing new infrastructure at both Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) through architectural, engineering, environmental, planning and sustainability projects. Ultimately, she is responsible for bringing innovation to the airfield, terminals and roadways at both airports.

We will do the CDG Project tour, which is a multi-billion dollar civil and mechanical engineering project and site across the airfield.

Our students will also get the Ramp Power Tour. This giant tower over 20 stories tall is brand new and encompasses more than 7,000 square feet of space including four operational floors, the largest of which provides positions for twenty-one airline ramp controllers. This new kind of control encompasses many areas of engineering in aerospace and aero technology that is simply amazing to see in action!

*note: Students will be placed randomly in groups for these tours, destinations and locations are subject to change at any time without notification due to any or reasons including weather or more.

Enroll Now

Residence Hall Life at Penn

The entrance is staffed by Penn Security 24/7. Inside is our air-conditioned wonderland, packed with the same fabulous amenities the Penn students enjoy. We also have our own outdoor area, inside the secure walls, where we have patio seating, tables, a grassy area, and more. It is quite lovely.

The building features full air conditioning, as well as social spaces and lounges with TVs, laundry, WiFi and so much more. These are the same residence halls the Ivy League college kids live in during the year and this is very exciting! We also have the entire game room and lounge, with a pool table, foosball, and more.

Enroll Now

I have more questions!

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!

Check out our FAQ page for answers to many common questions.

You can also call or email us at any time:

Phone: +1 315-816-4023

Email: info@tryengineeringinstitute.org

Enroll Now

Session and Daily Schedule

The following Program Overview, Sample Weekly Schedule, and Sample Daily Schedule are designed to give you a better understanding of the activities in a typical session as well as the flow of typical day. This is a sample schedule based on our prior program. While not all sessions will be exactly the same, this is reflective of the wide range of activities that take place during the program.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Institute offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides fun and challenges for students at every level of experience. The program is ideal for students who are new to engineering or STEM activities as well as those who have taken engineering classes. The program allows all students to explore engineering in a team environment and consider career and degree options in the field, while forging friendships with others interested in engineering and technology applications.

Coursework is hands-on and project-based. Academic modules have been created specifically for this program by STEM specialists at IEEE and are designed to step up in both engineering difficulty and skill-building as the program progresses.

Class is from 9am-4pm daily and lecture-style classes do not exist. Engineering principles are introduced and reinforced through hands-on work. Inside of each module there are academic underpinnings: design principles, expected outcomes, and the opportunity for students to discover what is possible. Those are detailed in our Curricular Overview.

The TryEngineering Summer Institute curriculum has been carefully designed to build the student experience over the ten-day period, with earlier activities honing skills needed in later tasks. Collectively, these activities touch on several fields of engineering, including electrical, mechanical, civil, aerospace, chemical, computer, and others.

Coursework is project-based and hands-on. We design, engineer and build all day. We try new things, we learn new skills and the program builds upon itself. We go on an academic journey, building confidence, knowledge, experience and ability through the 5 C’s: Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, curiosity and creativity.

Below are examples of what is covered in the coursework. You can see the academic underpinnings, the design principles, the expected outcomes, and the opportunity that exists for the students to discover what is possible inside of each challenge, module, and project.

Another main focus across the entire ten-day stretch is our program-long Design Challenge which is built on Design Thinking. Design Thinking is a creative process developed at the d.school at Stanford University, which helps students design meaningful solutions to problems. Students will experience the full cycle in an intro hands-on challenge and then they will step through the process of identifying a problem, developing a “how might we…” statement, defining the problem, designing a solution, and creating a prototype. Teams can choose to enter the “shark tank” and develop a pitch for their solution.

Sample Weekly Schedule

Day One:

Check-in by 3 PM
Campus Tour
Team Building Challenge
Welcome Dinner

Day Two:

Teamwork and Design Challenge
Circuitry Skill Build
Team Final Design Challenge: Real World, Real Solutions (Shark Tank-like, all program)
How to be an engineer: Your personal Engineering notebook (provided)

Day Three

Soldering Skill Build
Light Up Name Challenge
Computer Aided Design (CAD) & 3D Printing Design Challenge
Speaker Series: Ethics and Engineering Debate

Day Four

Communication Design Challenge
Bridge Competition
Microcontroller Skill Build
Continue to design and 3D print

Day Five

Light Sculpture Design
Hydraulic Robot Arm Build
Electrical Engineering Design Challenge
Social Event

Day Six

Meet Engineers at Work: Off-campus Field Trip
City Tour and Social Event

Day Seven

Mechanical Engineering Design Challenge
Civil Engineering Design Challenge
University Lab Tours and Presentations

Day Eight

Aerospace Engineering Challenge: Glider
Electrical Engineering Design Challenge
Speaker Series: Engineering Disciplines

Day Nine

Real World, Real Solutions Presentations and Judging
Seminar: How to analyze, pick and apply to College

Day Ten

Final Wrap Up
10:00 AM Closing Ceremony for all students (parents welcome, not required)
12:00 noon – Student pick up

*All activities subject to change without notice

Sample Daily Schedule

Time	Activity
8am – 9am	Breakfast
9am - 12pm	Engaging engineering activities and challenges at all levels.
12pm – 1pm	Lunch
1pm – 4pm	Field trip to local facility/university lab exploration; OR continued design and build projects OR Speaker Series OR shark tank prep
4pm – 6pm	Day Student pick-up 4:30PM Check in with RAs, outdoor time, sports and/or free time. Relax or explore the University offerings. Unwind before dinner!
6pm – 7pm	Dinner (times vary by location)
7pm - 9pm	Supervised Group Activities May Include: Casino night, Talent show, Karaoke, Movie Night Enjoy Student Center and Residence Hall Amenities
9pm - 11pm	Hang out time! Enjoy the residence hall lounges, social spaces, and new friends. Very popular with our students!

*All activities subject to change without notice

Dorm Life at Rice University

Living in the dorms at Rice University gives our summer engineering program students a fun taste of college life. The residence hall has common spaces with lots of lounges and common space to enjoy all the amenities.

These facilities are the same ones enjoyed by the college students during the year. Rice is known for its amazing facilities so come check it out! Every space on campus is air-conditioned of course.

Our class is held in the Rice Engineering Department’s premier venue, the OEDK. It’s remarkable. Join us!

Dorm Life at USD

Beautiful Residence Hall

Our students will be staying in suites just off the main quad. Each suite consists of four singles, each pair connected by a bathroom, as well as a lounge and kitchenette. It is by far the coolest set-up in our program! Make sure to bring plenty of snacks because you have a fridge and microwave! Hanging out in the larger fun social spaces is amazing.

Student Center

We love cruising over to the student center or quad in the evenings. There is a grill there, labs, places to play games, pool, foosball, movies, TVS; all the same great amenities the college kids enjoy during the year. Come check out why USD keeps on winning best campus… by living there…

At USD, TryEngineering Summer Institute students enjoy the most beautiful campus in the country according to the Princeton Review. With sculpted gardens, sunny views and spectacular modern dorms, this is a wonderful experience. All of the amenities you would expect and so much more!

Students will have access to all available on-campus facilities such as the fitness center and swimming pool and in the evenings there’s tons of resources to explore and enjoy. This campus lives up to the hype in every way! Check out what previous students have to say!

“Dorm life was very new for me, but the RAs helped me feel welcome.”

-Anthony, USD

“I enjoyed the engineering activities in class, the activities outside of class, and the bonding opportunities we had as a full-time camper.”

-Allison, USD

Enroll Now

Access University Labs and Tech Spaces

Past students have had the opportunity to discover on-campus engineering tools, equipment and technology that will be available to them as future engineering students. In previous summers we have toured the engineering departments at our host venues to meet and greet and see what are the latest aspects and cutting edge work that is being done.

Enroll Now

Exciting VIP Tours and Field Trips

Group under SCA nose Get a peek at the inner workings of top engineering companies and centers and discover the world inside your dream career! In previous years, our students:

Visited and toured LaGuardia International Airport in NYC, including the new construction, the tarmac and much more
Toured and met engineers at the giant ConEd power station in midtown Manhattan
Visited the NASA Johnson Space Center, spent the day with real-life Apollo engineers and toured areas restricted to everyday tourists
Met engineers and scientists at the Aerospace Corporation, a premier research and development center in Southern California and toured their facility
Students got to see and learn first-hand from Leonardo Helicopter’s engineers and pilots about how helicopters are designed and built, including special behind-the-scenes tours of the manufacturing lines and the pilot training academy.
Visited Boeing Ridley Park where we toured the production line of the H-47 and V-22 Osprey and more

Enroll Now

Exclusive Guest Speakers

Panel session Students will gain valuable knowledge from engineering professionals on how to succeed in college and in an engineering career.

This summer we will feature an industry professional at each session and location. Check out the TESI Talks: Speaker Series Blog on our site for highlights. In previous years, some of our speakers included:

(1) Oscar Pedroso (CEO) and David Brenner (CTO): Thimble.io

Subject of TESI Talk: Thimble is an engineering start-up and has a unique and amazing business model. Our students will heard their story, the path they took, and much more.

Read more about this on our BLOG post about this TESI Talk

(2) Norm Chaffee (Legendary NASA Engineer): NASA, worked on Apollo missions, other positions include Director of the Lunar/Mars Exploration Program Office and Chief of Automation, Robotics and Simulation Division.

Subject of TESI Talk: NASA, Apollo, and the future of space exploration, propulsion, and careers.

I felt so inspired by Api’s speech and it made me realize that I wanted to go into Civil Engineering. Seeing someone who looks like me and has a similar background in the exact place I want to be in when I grow up was incredible. – 2022 Student

Enroll Now

Hands-On Design Challenges

Two students working on a hands-on design challenge TryEngineering Summer Institute students explore engineering design challenges through hands-on teamwork. Previous students participated in projects such as:

Design, engineer, print and build a 3D-printed car and race it
Build a trebuchet and compete in distance and accuracy trials
Construct and test-launch a rocket by re-engineering a basic kit for optimal performance
Build and fly a drone
Solder functional electrical circuits

Enroll Now

Local Tours and Attractions at Vaughn College

Vaughn offers all the amenities of bustling New York City, surrounded by excitement and adventure.

Check back soon to see what trips we have planned for this summer!

Previous Off-campus field trips:

LaGuardia Airport

Last summer we experienced a behind the scenes tour of LaGuardia Airport. The airport, which has two new terminals in operation, is in the process of a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment initiative designed to transform the facility into an ultra-modern transportation hub for passengers. Completing a massive construction program while keeping this busy metropolitan airport operating involves intricate planning and execution. Students got to meet and learn first-hand from airport engineers what it takes to manage and operate the airport as well as the construction, tour some of the facilities and if weather permits visit the ramp to see the aircraft landing and taking-off.

Con Edison Main Power Plant – Manhattan

Students got to tour the highly secure and huge power station that powers the greatest city on Earth. We got to meet the engineers and see what their jobs are really like, it was amazing!

Where will I eat?

In our experience, the best friendships are often built over a shared meal.

Residential students start each day with the classic college experience: breakfast on campus with your fellow students. Lunch and dinner are also provided throughout your time at the Summer Institute. (Commuter students join us for lunch.)

Vegetarian options are available at every meal. Let us know any food allergies or restrictions in advance so that we may accommodate your specific needs.

Enroll Now

Where will I sleep?

You will live in the on-campus dorms, with Summer Institute roommates matched by age, gender and the information you provided in your application.

Staff reside on the same floor to provide ongoing supervision and direction.

We encourage you to bring an item or two from home to share your interests and hobbies, such as a musical instrument, board game or athletic gear.

Enroll Now

What will I do for fun?

After a packed day of hands-on design challenges and learning the latest in engineering and technology, spend your down time relaxing and getting to know your new friends.

Whether that means teaming up for an epic match of volleyball, relaxing with new friends in the common room, or tapping into your budding karaoke skills — the choice is yours.

Plus, you’ll enjoy fun, organized off-campus trips to round out your Summer Institute experience.

Enroll Now

Will I be safe?

We are committed to providing the TryEngineering Summer Institute community with an educational experience of the highest quality, while maintaining a safe, healthy and respectful environment.

Conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person, or that poses a threat of causing damage to the Summer Institute, campus or community, will not be tolerated. The Institute has a “Zero Tolerance” policy with regard to alcohol, illegal drugs, theft, lewd or indecent behavior, sexual, racial or personal harassment or intolerance.

Participants are subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal, for conduct in violation of these terms. All sessions meet American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation and applicable state licensing requirements.

Enroll Now

What if I don’t know anyone?

No worries!

Most students arrive at the TryEngineering Summer Institute not knowing anyone else. That doesn’t last long — the schedule is packed with team building and collaboration activities so you’ll start forming friendships and partnerships quickly.

“It has been really fun forming the friendships that I have, especially over this short period of time.” — 2018 Student

I felt so inspired buy Api’s speech and it made me realize that I wanted to go into Civil Engineering. Seeing someone who looks like me and has a similar background in the exact place I want to be in when I grow up was incredible. – 2022 Student

I loved my time outside of class because that’s when I actually got the chance to make all the friends I have now. – 2022 Student

I enjoyed it because I was able to meet new people, participate in engaging group projects, and use skills I have learned outside of the session in the camp. – 2022 Student

Enroll Now

2023 Summer Institute Curriculum Overview

The TryEngineering Summer Institute curriculum has been carefully designed to build the student experience over the two week period, with earlier activities honing skills needed in later tasks. Collectively, these activities touch on several fields of engineering, including electrical, mechanical, civil, aerospace, chemical, computer, and design think.

Coursework is project-based and hands-on. We design, engineer and build all day. We try new things, we learn new skills and the program builds upon itself. We go on an academic journey, building confidence, knowledge, experience and ability through the 5 C’s: Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, curiosity and creativity.

Below are examples of what is covered in the coursework. You can see the academic underpinnings, the design principles, the expected outcomes, and the opportunity that exists for the students to discover what is possible inside of each challenge, module, and project.

Design/build: Design Think Team Challenge (All session)

Design Thinking Challenge

Design thinking is a creative process developed at the d.school at Stanford University that helps you design meaningful solutions to problems. Student will experience the full cycle in an intro hands-on challenge and then they will step through the process of identifying a problem, developing a “how might we…” statement, defining the problem, designing a solution, and creating a prototype. Teams can choose to enter our own home-grown “shark tank” and develop a pitch for their solution.

Digital Fabrication Challenge

Light Sculpture Challenge

Students will be introduced to CAD as well as how 3D printers work. Application: Design, 3D print, assemble and test a light sculpture. Teams will create a light show applying what they learn from basic circuitry, breadboarding and microcontrollers and simulate in Tinkercad Circuits. Next they will use CAD to design the sculpture (or body) for the electronics that will enhance the light show.

Skill Build: Intro to CAD in Tinkercad and Fusion 360 Overview.
Student will choose which package they want to use for the light sculpture challenge. Students will get an intro to Tinkercad Circuits as well so they can simulate their light show.

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Smart Car Sensor Challenge with Sensors

In this activity we’ll focus on automotive and mechanical engineering and students build from scratch a fully operative smart car and remote control. Students will work with instructors to understand the mechanical principles around steering systems. Students work in teams of three to construct and build a smart car and then edit and upload the underlying code to make functional adjustments in car operations. Build a fully operative smart car and remote control to complete an obstacle course. Explore Arduino code by modifying it to control the function of the car and add sensors to help it best navigate the obstacle course automatically. To complete this challenge, students need to learn basic circuitry and breadboarding.

Skill Build: Basic Circuitry and Breadboarding
Student explore simple circuits through breadboard wiring of LEDs and resistors. Soldering and advanced soldering included.
Skill Build: Intro to Micro-controllers Students will expand on prior activities which established an understanding of electrical circuitry and breadboarding to explore microcontrollers and their applications. Students will control a display and then have a choice of either developing a weather station or programming a recognizable song using passive buzzers. Students build a strong understanding of flexible coding, component integration, and problem-solving.

AM Radio Challenge with Soldering

Build a fully operational AM radio from a kit. To complete this challenge students need to learn how to solder.

Skill Build: Soldering a functional circuit: Students set up and practice soldering, and then move on to soldering a functional circuit.

Drone Challenge with Soldering

Build a fully operational drone from scratch to carry a payload to a specific destination. The day ends with students expanding, augmenting, improving and strengthening their drones so they can participate in battles, races, and other exciting feats of engineering facing off with one another and against the clock. Imagine using the 3D printer to make a battle arm to attach to your drone (and making sure it is counter-balanced and flighworthy) then facing off against your roommate who has created a drop-tank to engage your drone!

Chemical Engineering

Berry Solar Cell Challenge

Students will create a working solar cell that mimics the process of photosynthesis and they will measure the performance of the device based on power output.

Mechanical Engineering

Hydraulic Robot Arm Challenge

Students will learn the basics of robotics and hydro-mechanical power. They will assemble a wired controlled robot arm. Students will test the arm by conducting various tasks. This activity introduces hydraulics and hydraulic machinery. Students assemble and prepare a hydraulic robot arm that controls six axes of varied movements. Students are challenged to use lever controllers to lift various items with suction mechanism as well as using gripper to transport a range of products. As a group, students simulate a construct a conveyor belt with multiple robot arms to transport multiple materials down a mock production line. Teams also compete to see which can stack the highest number of dice using only the arm.

Aerospace Engineering

Glider & Wing Design

Students will work in teams to explore aircraft and wing materials, shapes, and structures to maximize the glide slope of a glider. They will create an optimal wing design that will propel their glider the furthest distance. In this activity we will consider the principals of flight, including lift and drag, and students will design, build and test (from scratch) a glider that will carry the payload of an actual shoebox (which is fairly weighty indeed) the farthest.

Rocket Launch

In this activity we’ll focus on aerospace engineering and how space flight has been achieved from an engineering vantage point. Students will work with instructors to understand the forces acting on a rocket, Newton’s Laws, and other principles and challenges of an actual space vehicle launch. Students work individually to construct and test launch a rocket using a basic kit which they customize. Then based on their results, they will re-engineer their rocket and retest for improved accuracy and altitude. Students will build an altitude tracker and use for the competition.

Special Apollo 11 Celebration (video/speaker)

Civil Engineering

Bridge Engineering

Students will focus on civil engineering and learn various concepts for bridge design and how they handle large loads. Students will construct bridges of ever increasing complexity of materials and durable strength. These structures will hold more and more weight… what makes them work the best?

Mars Space Colony: IEEE Standardization Game

A Game of Standardization is designed to teach about technical standards and standards development while developing team and negotiation skills. Topics include the importance of standards to industry, fundamentals of standards development, and a case study on standards. Players participate as members of standards working groups, incorporating roles that reflect the economic, political and technical realities of standards development. In this activity we will explore the importance of engineering standards and work to explore challenges engineers might face in the development of a space colony on Mars.

This is a role playing exercise which surfaces the challenges of agreeing to standards.

Engineering Survey for the Future & University Applications, Essays, and Resumes

Students will take an engineering survey for the future to better understand what engineering disciplines exists, what they mean, what the majors, careers, and opportunities are and, crucially, and with which one (s) the students individually would most align. If Engineering is a possible future major and or career, this module is vital.

Students also prepare for applying to a university by exploring tips and guidelines for picking the right school, what classes to take in high school, the application process, the development of extra-curricular activities, clubs and the beginning of essays and resumes. We will explore recommendations for development practice essays, and resume guidelines for pre-university students. Students will have an opportunity to develop a preliminary resume that they can expand on over the years.

Engineering Ethics Debate

Students explore how ethics is involved in many of the engineering fields. They will consider some of the critical decisions engineers need to make when designing new products and processes.

Dorm Life at Vaughn College

Students’ home away from home at Vaughn is a three-story, suite-style residence hall. Double rooms each have a private bathroom. Each student has a bed, dresser, desk and chair. They’re housed on different floors by gender and specific halls by age.

There is a student lounge with a pool table and plenty of comfortable seating for hanging out with friends.

Plenty of outdoor space is also available for relaxing and socializing with new friends between classes. A laundry room is also available in the building.

Job Description: Counselor/Resident Assistant

Resident Assistant (RA)

Job Summary:

We are looking for highly motivated, energetic and dedicated people who want to be summer camp counselors/resident advisors for our engineering summer program. These individuals are in charge of keeping the students safe, and planning great events to make camp fun.

TryEngineering Summer Institute is a co-ed, residential program for high school students at various locations around the country. Students choose a class and are immersed in that subject every day. The counselor’s job is to make sure that all of their time out of class is fun! Talent Shows, 80’s night, trivia, outdoor and indoor sports, swimming, and that is just to name a few ideas of evening events that you might hold for the students.

Our entire staff, directors, teachers, counselors and students live in the dorms, and have all meals provided throughout the duration of the program and staff training.

Dates:

Staff Training, dorm set up, etc: (Wed – Sat): Depends – by location

Hours:

NOTE: below are the focused hours, but in a sleepaway camp community, you are fully immersed in the position 24/7. There will be many hours of work outside of the hours below. We are looking for the person who understands that at camp, you are truly never off duty. Be ready for long days, and a lot of fun!

Focused hours:

Supervise students after class and events 4pm-11pm Monday – Friday.
Supervise students on the weekend from wake up until lights out.
Sunday is check-in day and it is an ‘all hands on deck’ day 9am-11pm
Saturdays are the closing ceremonies at the end of each session, from 9:30am- Noon.
A weekly field trip to local sites is supervised by the counselors as well.

Visit our site to learn more about our program:

http://tryengineeringinstitute.ieee.org

Locations:

East: Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology – New York
South: Rice University, Houston TX
West: University of San Diego, CA
Mid-Atlantic: University of Pennsylvania, Philly PA

Note: Employees are responsible for paying their own travel costs to their assigned venue.

Important:

We are looking for someone who is fun, reliable, and excited to be part of the camp community. Anyone who has ever been to summer camp before knows how important the activities and the camp community is to the overall experience. The counselors are not only an exciting and upbeat presence but they are also a friend to the students as some experience being away from home the first time, or a wide variety of other issues.

Qualifications:

We are open to speaking to anyone who is interested in the position.

Bachelors degree, or in pursuit of.

All RAs Must:

Live in the dorms throughout the duration of the program and staff training. (All meals and housing are provided.)

Note: If offered a position, completion of a background check is required. Position is only open to US Citizens or people who are authorized to work in the US. We do not assist in the process of governmental authorization.

To Apply: Email info@tryengineeringinstitute.org with cover letter and resume. Please include the job title and TryEngineering Summer Institute in the subject line.

Job Description: Engineering Instructor

Engineering Instructor Job Description

Job Summary:

TryEngineering Summer Camps are two-week co-ed residential engineering summer camps for rising 8th through 12th grade students held at three premier colleges and universities across the USA. Camp instructors are responsible for organizing and conducting the camp learning sessions and providing guidance for the hands-on activities. Designed to be educational on an introductory college level, the learning sessions are to be hands-on and fun. There are no tests and quizzes to create a stress free learning environment for every student of every skill level. The classes are small, so students receive plenty of personalized help and guidance.

Dates:

Training and Classroom Set-Up: Vary depending on each location start date. This is the week before session 1.
Program: 2 two-week sessions: Have a great 4- weeks at camp!

Hours:

Learning Session Instruction: 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday
Sunday is check-in day and it is an ‘all hands on deck’ day 9 am to 8 pm
Saturdays are the closing ceremonies at the end of each session, from 9:30 am to Noon

Important:

This is a summer learning program and has many aspects of a traditional summer camp. If you have been to camp before, you know it is a non-stop type of job with very high rewards.

Instructors are encouraged to join in the after class activities; hikes, bonfires, swimming, games, talent shows, etc. We are looking for instructors who want to be part of the entire camp community.

Visit our site to see the current program description:

http://tryengineeringinstitute.ieee.org

Locations:

East: Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology – New York
South: Rice University – Houston Texas
West: University Of San Diego, California
Mid-Atlantic: University of Pennsylvania, Philly PA

Note: Instructors are responsible for paying their own travel costs to their assigned venue.

Job Type: Contract

Salary: Based on experience + room and board

Job Responsibilities:

Lead camp curriculum, sessions and lessons focused on engineering and technology
Implement and run daily learning sessions and other activities
Modify activities/lessons as needed to better implement within camp structure
Prepare materials needed prior to each camp session and/or before lessons begin
Responsible for clean up after sessions
Facilitate classroom management and ensure camper engagement
Escort and participate in all field trips
Act as a positive role model for campers
Other duties as needed
Inventory, pack, and ship back all remaining supplies at the end of the program
Cultivate a fun environment and HAVE FUN!!!

Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have studied any field of engineering, computing, engineering technology, or the applied sciences. An upper level undergraduate student or graduate student in these fields who would enjoy sharing their skills and insights to inspire prospective STEM students is preferred. Familiarity with electronic circuitry, Arduino programming, basic soldering, and other technical skills is a plus.

Additional Qualifications Include:

Teaching Assistant or other in-classroom experience a plus
Positive, outgoing, and flexible demeanor
Experience working at summer camps and/or informal education
Familiarity with classroom management skills
Team oriented
Ability to succeed in informal/camp atmosphere
Extremely organized
Excellent oral and written communication skills

Note: If offered a position, completion of a background check is required. Position is only open to US Citizens or people who are authorized to work in the US. We do not assist in the process of governmental authorization.

To Apply: Email info@tryengineeringinstitute.org with cover letter and resume. Please include the job title and TryEngineering Institute in the subject line.

Commuter/Day Tuition Rates and Details

Standard Tuition: $1,995 $500 deposit required upon enrollment.
Full tuition due no later than June 1, 2019.

IEEE Member Family and Friends Tuition: $1,895 (includes $100 IEEE Member Discount)

Returning students get an additional $100 discount. Email us at info@tryengineeringinstitute.org after registration to have the returning student discount applied to your account.

Commuter/Day program tuition includes:

Opening Sunday dinner
All academic supplies and classes
Daily lunch in the campus dining hall
Camp t-shirt
Site visit and excursion expenses for Institute trips taking place during the day/class time
Transportation to and from activities during two-week session
Closing ceremony

Enroll today to place your deposit and reserve your spot in the TryEngineering Summer Institute Commuter/Day program!

Residential Tuition Rates and Details

Standard Tuition: $2,995 ( includes a $500 non-refundable deposit required upon enrollment).
Full tuition due no later than June 1, 2019.

IEEE Member Family and Friends Tuition: $2,895 (Includes $100 IEEE Member Discount)

Airport Pick-up/Drop-off service: $95 one way, $175 both ways

Airport Information:

Vaughn: LaGuardia (LGA) & JF Kennedy International (JFK)

UCR: Los Angeles International (LAX) & Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Texas A&M: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), or the airport on campus Easterwood Airport (CLL)

Returning students get an additional $100 discount. Email us at info@tryengineeringinstitute.org after registration to have the returning student discount applied to your account.

Residential program tuition includes:

Opening Sunday dinner
All academic supplies and classes
Double occupancy room in the residence hall
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in the campus dining hall
Camp t-shirt
Site visit and excursion expenses
Transportation to and from activities during two-week session
Super Saturday and Sleepy Sunday activities
Closing ceremony

Enroll today to place your deposit and reserve your spot in the TryEngineering Summer Institute Residential program!

Introductory Engineering Program

Sample Schedule

The Introductory Program at the TryEngineering Summer Institute is ideal for students who are considering a degree or career in engineering, as well as for those just curious to learn more. This program is designed to challenge and inspire students through a fun and engaging curriculum designed by IEEE STEM specialists specifically for our Summer Institute.

Students participate in team-based, hands-on design challenges, hear from fascinating guest speakers, and experience exciting off-campus field trips to local engineering sites.

This program is perfect for those who want to:

- Get an introduction to how engineering is applied in the real world and how it’s shaping our future.
- Participate in fun, interactive, hands-on activities.
- Experience how engineers work in teams to solve global challenges.
- Gain insight into what it’s like to study engineering in a collegiate atmosphere.
- Explore career paths in this in-demand field.
- See real-world engineering projects during field trips.
- Build awesome projects that teach engineering concepts by making things like rockets, remote control cars, drones, trebuchets, building and soldering circuits and much more.

… All while having fun with new friends on one of our engineering campuses.

Advanced Engineering Program

Sample Schedule

The curriculum and coursework for the Advanced Program builds in intensity, providing a fun challenge for older and more experienced students. Students will deepen their understanding of the engineering field through curriculum designed by IEEE STEM specialists specifically for our Summer Institute.

This program is perfect for returning, older or experienced students who want to:

Participate in multi-disciplinary projects in electrical, civil, mechanical, aerospace and other engineering disciplines.
Learn to think like engineers while building critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills.
Develop the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills required to achieve their goals.
Learn about future academic and career possibilities through exciting trips and tours.
Engage with professionals working in your field of interest.
Live and learn on a prestigious college campus, getting the full experience of college life as an engineering student.

… All while having fun with new and returning friends on one of our prestigious campuses.

Dorm Life at UCR

At UCR, TryEngineering Summer Institute students enjoy a family-like environment, living in double rooms during their time on campus. Students are housed on different floors by gender, and specific halls by age. Each person gets an extra-long twin loft bed, desk, chair and closet. Students may decorate available wall space to make their room feel like home! The rooms also have a mini-fridge and microwave for late night snacking.

On each floor there is a lounge/TV space for students to socialize. Students also have access to on-campus facilities such as the fitness center and swimming pool.

Local Tours and Attractions at UCR

With nonstop sunshine and local engineering destinations, there is lots to enjoy off-campus during site visits and trips for UCR TryEngineering Summer Institute students. Last year, Summer Institute students got an insider’s tour of The Aerospace Corporation during the program. On the weekends, students enjoy Super Saturday trips to get out and enjoy all that the area has to offer.

Last year’s students visited Six Flags Magic Mountain, went to the movies, went out for ice cream, and enjoyed plenty of southern California sunshine during our weekend adventures!

Local Tours and Attractions at MIT

With the heart of Cambridge steps away, our MIT program has an amazing opportunity to explore all the amazing sights and sounds of Boston! Our students enjoy Super Saturday trips to get out and enjoy all that this fantastic historic city and region has to offer. Sunset along the Charles river, frisbee on the quad…. visiting Faneuil Hall, hanging out on Boston Common and exploring the waterfront are just a few of our options.

Dorm Life at MIT

At MIT, TryEngineering Summer Institute students enjoy a family-like environment, living in double rooms during their time on campus. Students are housed on different floors by gender, and specific halls by age. Each person gets an extra-long twin loft bed, desk, chair and closet. Students may decorate available wall space to make their room feel like home! The rooms also have a mini-fridge and microwave for late night snacking.

On each floor there is a lounge/TV space for students to socialize. Students also have access to on-campus facilities such as the fitness center and swimming pool.

Job Description: Program Director

Program Director Job Description

Job Summary:

TryEngineering Summer Camps are two-week co-ed residential engineering summer camps for rising 8th through 12th grade students held at three premier colleges and universities across the USA. The camp Program Director is responsible for organizing and leading the entire camp experience. Designed to be educational on an introductory college level, the learning sessions are to be hands-on and fun and the off hours provide students with opportunities to experience recreational, sporting and cultural activities. The Program Director will lead the camp staff of instructors and counselors; ensure the implementation of all of the camp programs and provide an exciting and fun experience for the students. If you thrive in a “Life Accelerated” atmosphere, enjoy meeting new people and take pride in who you are, this is the right position for you.

Dates:

Director Training: 4 days in NYC, dates to be determined by availability, typically in May or early June.
Program Director Move in: Monday July 1, 2019
Staff Training and Classroom Set-Up: Tuesday July 2 – 6
Program: 2 two-week sessions: July 7-Aug 3
All staff departs: Aug 4

Hours:

Full-Time
Note: The Program Director is a 24-hour job 7 days a week for the duration of camp and training week. Even when you are off, you are living in the dorms and on call in the case of emergencies 24 hours a day. There will be many hours of work outside of the hours below. We are looking for the person who understands that at camp, you are truly never off duty. Be ready for long days, and a lot of fun!

Visit our site to learn all about the program:

http://tryengineeringinstitute.ieee.org

Location in need of director:

South: Texas A&M

Note: Camp Program Directors are responsible for paying their own travel costs to their assigned venue.

Job Type: Contract

Salary: $1200+ per/week (Pay commensurate with experience level)

Description:

We are looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated and experienced Program Director. This person will be leading their staff into the 2^nd summer of our technical engineering summer institute and knocking it out of the park! This is a great job for someone who can work with people of all types, is very organized and creative, has a STEM related or education background, is willing to devote the necessary hours, and knows how to have a great time.

Job Responsibilities:

Overseeing the camp programming, including the learning sessions and after hours activities
Managing the staff of assistant directors, instructors and counselors
Coordinating with onsite faculty, staff and administration
Training and scheduling of staff
Managing the onsite budget
Organizing and leading staff meetings and camp meetings
Acting as the primary contact with parents
Setting the stage for the summer, SAFE AND FUN

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and/or education, Master’s Degree a plus
Experience working with pre-university students (middle school and high school aged children) in a camp setting
Previous experience as Camp Director or Assistant Director a plus
Experience in leading or managing a team/staff and delegating responsibilities
Skilled in current technology used to create dynamic and engaging programs
Excellent presentation and communication skills
Well organized and knows how to multitask
Preferred, First Aid / CPR certified
Preferred, Attended a camp as a child/teen

All Directors Must:

Attend mandatory curriculum training before camp (Date TBA)
Live in the dorms throughout the duration of the program and staff training (All meals and housing is provided)

Note: If offered a position, completion of a background check is required. Position is only open to US Citizens or people who are authorized to work in the US. We do not assist in the process of governmental authorization.

To Apply: Email info@tryengineeringinstitute.org with cover letter and resume. Please include the job title and TryEngineering Institute in the subject line.

Our Engineering Camp Summer Students and Parents Say...

Click HERE Our dates and locations for 2025 will be released soon.

Register HERE now !

About TryEngineering's Engineering Camp

Our Engineering Summer Camp Goal

How do we do it?

Three Unique Locations

University of Pennsylvania

Rice University

University of San Diego

Latest Engineering Camp Summer Institute Updates

Come to the TryEngineering Summer Camp this Year

2025 Engineering Camp Students Leave With...

Opportunities Ahead...