Explore Engineering
Our next STEM camp — Explore Engineering (E2) — is one for high school students interested in pursuing engineering as a college major. Each year, ~125 sophomores and juniors hit the UConn engineering campus for a one-week program housed in the School of Engineering. There they interact with current students and faculty. Campers break into small, working groups to focus on a project within a specific engineering area. Examples: chemical engineering, biomedical engineering or civil engineering. One notable finding: ~50% of Explore Engineering participants pursued chemical or civil/environmental engineering. At the end of the week, campers present their project. Hopefully, they walk away from their E2 experience with a better understanding of the engineering field (before they head to college).
Participants do stay on campus and when they aren’t working in the labs, there are activities at night for networking and fun. Keep in mind Explore Engineering uses a competitive application process. What does that mean? More applicants than spots. So, if you have a student who’s interested make sure you inquire early.
SPARKing an interest
Beyond Explore Engineering, UConn gears a second program towards younger students. The SPARK Engineering Program enrolls 6th-9th graders. Important to note: SPARK is also specifically geared for GIRLS. Stepping back, SPARK campers get introduced to engineering concepts, robotics, 3D-printing, and computer programming. The program takes place over a six day period. Note: SPARK holds a higher price tag ($895). For more info on SPARK, check out our listing.
What We Like About It
What do we like about the program? First, we love how the program immerses students in engineering! High school students may have an interest in a certain area, but aren’t sure which direction to head. That’s where E2 can help!
Additionally, participants get access to faculty and undergrad mentors. In our view, this is a huge benefit especially for high school students thinking about engineering as a major. They have the chance to learn about the field before making big decisions. Counselors in the program include current undergrad engineering students, so for STEM campers, they also get great exposure to better understanding how the school works from actual students! That means hearing both the plusses and minuses.
Beyond the mentoring, we like the breadth of the program. Explore Engineering offers an in-depth look at twelve different engineering majors… another reason why the name fits! If students are leaning a certain direction, they can better understand what to think about as they apply for college. If they are uncertain, hopefully they come away with an appreciation for differences across the subfields.
Lastly, we love the SPARK program and initiative UConn promotes to close the engineering gender gap. Keeping female STEM students engaged and getting them excited about potential future paths is a big step forward for everyone!
Explore Engineering – University of Connecticut: Camp Details
Camp Website: http://edoc.engr.uconn.edu/explore-engineering/Phone Number: 860-486-5536
Email: [email protected]
Weekly Cost ($): $700.00
Scholarships available? Yes
Food available? Yes
Extended care options: No
Overnight camp options? Yes
Co-Ed Camp? Yes
Social Media References:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UConnExplore/Instagram:
Twitter:
YouTube:
