Teens Dive into Aerospace and AI at IEEE Summer Camp

A diverse group of students aged 13 to 17 recently participated in the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, an immersive nine-day camp focused on engineering principles, artificial intelligence, and aerospace technologies. This year, the program attracted a record attendance of 311 participants across five prominent U.S. university campuses, a significant increase from its inaugural year in 2018, which hosted just over 80 students.

Administered by IEEE Educational Activities, the camp offers a unique blend of hands-on learning and real-world applications. Participants engage in interactive activities, collaborate with peers, and explore engineering disciplines through field trips and expert talks.

Exciting Activities Across Multiple Campuses

At the University of Pennsylvania, students experienced a rich blend of historical and cultural education. They visited the Franklin Institute, where an IEEE volunteer highlighted various technologies on display. Furthermore, a speaker from the Philadelphia International Airport discussed the engineering efforts behind maintaining operations at one of the busiest airports in the United States.

“The TryEngineering program is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering,” remarked one participant, who particularly enjoyed interactive sessions focusing on microcontrollers. This hands-on approach allowed students to merge their programming skills with electrical engineering knowledge.

Rice University offered a hands-on experience where students tackled engineering challenges. They designed and tested bridge structures made of balsa wood and glue. In another challenge, participants constructed and assessed glider prototypes, fostering teamwork and critical thinking. A student reflected, “The challenges were interesting and competitive, pushing us to think critically and work as a team.”

A highlight for many was a visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where students met former astronauts and learned about the engineering behind space missions.

Innovative Learning at Columbia and Georgia Tech

The Columbia University camp, organized in collaboration with the National Student Leadership Conference, provided leadership training alongside engineering activities. Students toured Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst in New Jersey, where they explored cutting-edge technology used for rescue missions, including drone operations.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Institute of Technology hosted a group of 20 high school students from Georgia, who participated at no cost due to generous funding from various engineering organizations. They worked on designing robotic boats intended to deliver humanitarian aid, collaborating closely with mentors from Georgia Tech.

Throughout the program, students learned to utilize Arduino technology and engaged in team-building exercises. A notable trip to the Delta Flight Museum allowed participants to delve into aviation history and the evolution of flight technology.

All participants engaged in the “sparking solutions” group activity, where they identified engineering problems and proposed viable solutions. Each team developed a prototype and presented their ideas to a panel of judges from the IEEE Educational Activities committee.

The top team received a prize for their innovative approach, further motivating students to pursue engineering paths.

Scholarships and Future Opportunities

A critical aspect of the Summer Institute is its commitment to accessibility through scholarships provided by the IEEE Foundation’s Educational Activities Scholarship Fund. This year, funding from various IEEE societies enabled 45 students to attend the program, expanding opportunities for aspiring engineers.

One scholarship recipient expressed gratitude, saying, “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.”

Students left the program equipped with knowledge, inspiration, and a clearer understanding of the engineering fields they might pursue. The success of the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute underscores its role in shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders in technology and engineering.