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.

In Summer 2026, five engineering-themed programs will be offered, sponsored by departments within the UIC College of Engineering, including Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, and Civil, Materials, and Environmental Engineering. Detailed learning modules and course content will be shared with registered families prior to the camp start dates through virtual orientation emails.

Program activities are aligned with the educational goals of ABET-accredited college engineering programs, helping students develop foundational skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and engineering problem-solving in a supportive, age-appropriate environment. We offer three program tracks, each tailored to the developmental and learning needs of the age groups listed below. Please select the appropriate track when registering your student.

Track 1–Discovering Engineering (rising 6th, 7th graders)
By the end of this level, students will be able to:

• Identify basic engineering disciplines and describe how engineers address everyday problems.
• Apply elementary math and science concepts to simple, guided engineering activities.
• Develop and test a basic solution to a well-defined problem using provided materials and instructions.
• Work effectively as a member of a small team by sharing ideas and completing assigned tasks.
• Communicate design ideas and results through simple drawings, demonstrations, or brief oral explanations.
• Recognize the role of safety, ethics, and societal impact in engineering activities.

ABET alignment emphasis: awareness, exposure, teamwork, communication, and problem recognition.

Track 2–Exploring Engineering (rising 8th, 9th graders)
By the end of this level, students will be able to:

• Define and analyze moderately well-defined engineering problems with stated constraints and criteria.
• Apply math, science, and introductory engineering principles to develop and compare alternative solutions.
• Design, build, and test prototypes using an iterative design process informed by data.
• Interpret experimental or simulation results to evaluate design performance.
• Function effectively on a team with shared responsibilities and collaborative decision-making.
• Communicate engineering solutions using written summaries, sketches, data tables, and oral presentations.
• Explain how engineering solutions impact society, the environment, and sustainability.

ABET alignment emphasis: problem analysis, design iteration, data interpretation, teamwork, and communication.

Track 3–Applying Engineering and College Prep (rising 10th-12th graders)
By the end of this level, students will be able to:

• Formulate and solve well-defined engineering problems by applying appropriate mathematics, science, coding, and engineering principles.
• Design engineering solutions that meet specified needs while considering constraints such as safety, cost, sustainability, and societal impact.
• Conduct experiments or simulations, analyze data, and use results to inform design decisions.
• Evaluate multiple design alternatives using quantitative and qualitative criteria.
• Function effectively on a team by assuming leadership roles, managing tasks, and integrating diverse perspectives.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibilities and professional expectations in engineering practice.
• Gain an understanding of what college life in an engineering program looks like, including the learning styles and expectations of engineering students.
• College application and future volunteering work tips.

ABET alignment emphasis: design under constraints, data-driven decision-making, professionalism, and college readiness.

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.

Dates and Age Groups (new this year)

• Track 1 – Rising 6th to 7th grade — July 13 – 17, 2026
• Track 2 – Rising 8th to 9th grade — July 20 – 24, 2026
• Track 3 – Rising 10th to 12th grade — July 27 – 31, 2026

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: Project and design challenge #2 (and #3, if applicable), with a short break
• 4pm: Pickup/Dismissal at 801 S. Morgan St. (UIC Daley Library)

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