Engineering Summer Camp

For each age group, participants will be divided into five sub-groups, with a maximum of 30 students per group, to explore a selection of engineering topics. Each day, students get a chance to experiment—literally—with a particular field (5 topics in 5 days). From morning drop-off to afternoon pick-up, camp staff—including faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate chaperones—accompany participants at all times. All personnel are highly experienced, extensively trained, and have undergone comprehensive background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

Participants complete hands-on challenges based on concepts developed by UIC Engineering faculty members and graduate students in real research labs. In total, more than 15 engineering projects will be practiced. Projects from previous years will never be reused. Students will be asked to finish the challenges as a team (two to three people). One day, they might be writing computer code; another day, they could be working on robotics or biomechanics.

In addition to these activities, participants will learn about potential engineering careers in cutting-edge fields such as nanotechnology, autonomous vehicles, and organ transplantation. Rising 11th and 12th-grade students will receive additional college preparation tips and campus and lab tours. This unique opportunity allows them to experience college life and engage in college-level learning, offering a glimpse into their future academic and professional journeys.

This five-day program also includes buffet-style lunch and optional aftercare (time varies, please check the details in Schedules)

In 2025 summer, five engineering topics will be offered in the camp:

Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering (BME) combines the principles of engineering, biology, and medicine to develop innovative solutions that improve healthcare and enhance quality of life. From designing cutting-edge medical devices to creating tissue-engineered implants, BME professionals work at the forefront of technology and human health. Summer program projects will cover topics like Medical devices and diagnostics, Biomechanics and rehabilitation, Tissue engineering, Imaging and computational modeling. Explore how Biomedical Engineering shapes the future of healthcare!

Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering (CHE) plays a vital role in transforming raw materials into valuable products while addressing global challenges in sustainability, health, and technology. CHE professionals work on groundbreaking solutions in areas like renewable energy, clean water, innovative materials, and environmental protection. This summer camp creates connections between the field of chemical engineering and the many things students come across in their everyday lives. Participants will dive headfirst into the world of chemical engineering, engaging in fun projects that revolve around sustainability, process and reaction design, and materials engineering, working together to think critically and solve problems. Discover how chemical engineers tackle global challenges and shape the future!

Software Engineering
Software engineers are the masterminds who combine creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork to design, code, test, and improve the apps that shape our world. Imagine creating the next big app or game like Roblox, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube—the ones you love and use every day. Software engineering is at the heart of bringing these incredible applications to life on your gaming consoles, phones, and computers. You’ll explore what happens behind the scenes of app development through exciting, hands-on projects. Pitch your own Shark Tank-worthy ideas, design wireframes, build your own games, or even experiment with simple AI apps. Unlock the secrets of software engineering and become a digital inventor for a day by creating the tools and experiences that millions rely on. Don’t just play the game—learn how to build it!

Environmental sustainability planning (ESP)
Applies sustainability principles to designing and planning for built and natural environments. ESP professionals leverage multidisciplinary and system thinking to identify and resolve complex challenges stemming from the interconnections among ecological, social, and economic systems. This all-new summer program invites participants to explore urban metabolism and climate innovations, employ planning data and tools to develop land use plans for a hypothetical community, participate in a mock town hall meeting, and visit green infrastructure on the UIC campus. Discover how Environmental Sustainability Planning creates a more sustainable and resilient future!

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (ME) applies physics and materials science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems across various industries. From robotics and automation to sustainable energy solutions and advanced manufacturing, ME professionals drive innovation. The Summer program projects may involve designing robots, creating novel contraptions, utilizing CAD/3D Printing, and exploring thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Discover how Mechanical Engineering shapes the world around us!

Cost for 1 Week: $500 per student

• The fee includes a daily lunch, project materials, and a camp t-shirt.
• Children of University of Illinois (UIC, UIUC, UIS, or System Office) employees receive a 10% discount.
• Optional after-care (extra 2 hours after each day’s camp program) is available for an additional $32 per day.

Dates and Age Groups (new this year)

• Track 1 (elementary school) – Rising 4^th to 5^th grade — July 7 – 11, 2025
• Track 2 FULL (middle school) – Rising 6^th to 8^th grade — July 14 – 18, 2025 — FULL
• Track 3 (high school) – Rising 9^th to 12^th grade — July 21 – 25, 2025

*9th/10th and 11th/12th graders in Track 3 will work separately and receive different levels of challenges during the day.

Daily Schedule

• 8:30am – 8:50am: Drop off at 801 S. Morgan St. (UIC Daley Library)
• 9am – 12pm: Project and design challenge #1, with a short break
• 12pm – 1pm: Lunch (at UIC Student Center East cafeteria) and outdoor recess
• 1pm – 4pm (or 1p-3p for Track 1): Project and design challenge #2 (and #3, if applicable), with a short break
• 4pm (or 3p for Track 1): Pickup at 801 S. Morgan St.
• 4pm – 6pm (or 3p-5p for Track 1): Optional after-care (additional $32 per day)

Orientation information and other details are emailed to the parents/guardians of registered participants a few weeks before the camp start date. Daily updates will also be provided during the camp period.

For more information about the UIC Engineering Experience Camp, contact the camp director, Dr. Zhinan Wang, at engineeringcamp@uic.edu.