A student conducting a physics experiment with lasers

McDaniel Summer Engineering Institute

Engineering is for everyone. Engineering makes things go: From the phones we text with to the farming that grows our food to the buildings we live in — and a million other parts of life. Engineers seek to improve how we live, and that takes creativity and ingenuity. Do you ever wonder how something works, then brainstorm how it could work even better? Do you enjoy math and science, and like to approach it from new directions?

You might just be a future engineer.

student looks through a camera at equipment

McDaniel Summer Engineering Institute A Free Summer Engineering Program for High Schoolers

The McDaniel Summer Engineering Institute inspires students to envision their futures in engineering — for free.

To kickstart the next generation of diverse, skilled engineers, we welcome rising 11th and 12th grade students to tackle real-world challenges in the McDaniel labs. Exciting, hands-on experiences will ignite your confidence, community connections, and engineering knowledge — and you’ll earn college credit before you even graduate high school.

At McDaniel College, we change lives by helping students discover their potential. This summer engineering program for high school students features elements of a college-level program, career realities, and what to consider while choosing a path in engineering. Our three faculty mentors champion equity and access in STEM, providing close support unique to a small, student-centered college like McDaniel.

We explore big questions, together, to light a spark in our students and society. Because engineering is for everyone.

Get an Intro to Engineering

Apply today to join a free, two-week summer program that will introduce you to engineering in a whole new way. You’ll engage in learning sessions and lab work right on the McDaniel College campus to practice the fundamentals of engineering. Visits with working engineers in the community will put you face-to-face with professionals in the field. By the end of the program, you’ll have new skills and be prepared to choose a pathway in STEM that’s right for you.

How to apply

Apply through the online application before the April 15 deadline.  
Applicants will receive a reply within 10 business days following the application deadline.

Why choose the McDaniel Summer Engineering Institute? 

It’s free. High-quality summer engineering programs for high schoolers like ours usually cost around $2,000 per student. 
College credit. Students who successfully complete the program receive one college credit.   
It’s fun. Active learning is at the heart of this program, so every day will be energetic, with lots of collaboration and innovation.  
Faculty mentorship. Students work directly with three McDaniel faculty members who will assess students’ grasp of the material and provide support to help them learn and grow. 
Real engineering lab work. Students will conduct experiments with specialized equipment in the McDaniel campus labs, where college-level research happens.  
Meet engineering pros. McDaniel’s strong connections with the local community provide students with opportunities to network with working engineers.  
Explore engineering disciplines. Aligned with McDaniel College’s mission, this program aims to change the lives of students through engaging and motivational experiences, such as mentorship and hands-on learning, to help them achieve their full potential. 
Future preparation. Students who are curious about engineering will get a head start to learn if it’s the right college major or future career path for them.

What you’ll discover in engineering:

Each day of the program includes a lecture followed by a corresponding lab session to put engineering concepts into action, like fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, lighting, and sensors.

You’ll learn to manage projects, explore ethical dilemmas, and solve real-world challenges in engineering. With field trips and guest speakers, you’ll get a firsthand look at what being an engineer is really like.

female student looks at equipment with male professor looking on

Program Dates

The program will offer two separate two-week sessions to be held 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Session I: Monday, June 23, 2025 – Thursday, July 3, 2025  (Note: Session I will end on Thursday, July 3, to accommodate the Fourth of July holiday.)
Session II: Monday, July 7, 2025 – Friday, July 18, 2025

male student writes an equation on a white board

Ready to Apply?

Apply through the online application.  
Applicants will receive a reply within 10 business days following the application deadline.

female student examines equipment on a lab table

Program Cost

There is no cost for students accepted into this program. The McDaniel Summer Engineering Institute is supported by a grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission.   
This is a commuter-only program with no housing, but lunch and snacks are provided each day.
Travel must be arranged by students and their families.

Eligibility

Rising junior or rising senior in high school (public, private, or homeschool).  
We recommend that applicants have passed Algebra 2, to ensure they have the minimum math background needed to succeed in the program. 
This program is open to all students.

Other Considerations

Be motivated and eager-to-learn, with a demonstrable interest in engineering. 
Be able to commit to attending every day of the two-week program.  
Complete all application components by the deadline.

Program Goals

Introduce students to a wide variety of fields in engineering, such as mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. 
Provide practical engineering experience in a college lab. 
Introduce high school students to McDaniel College’s Department of Physics and the Engineering specialization. 
Offer mentorship from McDaniel faculty and networking with local engineering professionals. 
Bring together high schoolers with a passion for engineering. 
Foster diversity and inclusion in the engineering field. 
Prepare high schoolers to become competitive candidates for the best college engineering programs. 
Teach students essential skills, such as: 
- Data analysis 
- Experiment setup 
- Teamwork 
- Solution-oriented innovation 
- Communication 
- Analytical thinking

* Participation in the McDaniel Summer Engineering Institute does not guarantee admission to McDaniel College.

Meet our Faculty Mentors

Farzad Ahmadi, Ph.D. 

Professor Ahmadi had a passion for engineering early in life, when he began taking things apart just to see how they worked. At McDaniel, he mentors engineering students in class and lab research. Before coming to McDaniel, he hosted over 10 summer camps for high school and middle school students in collaboration with the Center for Enhancing Engineering Diversity at Virginia Tech. 

Farzad Ahmadi, Ph.D.  Physics major makes major splash in thermodynamics summer sesearch

Jeff Marx, Ph.D. 

Professor Marx teaches students to deepen their understanding of science and learn what it means to put your hypotheses to the test. He teaches classes like The Nature of Science and Bosons, Bridges, Black Holes to McDaniel students. For two decades, he taught in a long-running Summer Science Academy for high school students on the McDaniel campus. 

Jeff Marx, Ph.D. Physics professor shares the secret to playing your best game of catch

Apollo Mian, Ph.D. 

Professor Mian values the connection between classroom lessons and hands-on experiments. He teaches From Lenses to Lasers and A World of Light and Color to McDaniel students. He also directs the dual-degree engineering program at McDaniel, consisting of a partnership with Washington University in St. Louis.  

Apollo Mian, Ph.D.

Questions about the McDaniel Summer Engineering Institute?

Farzad Ahmadi

Assistant Professor of Engineering 

fahmadi@mcdaniel.edu

Phone: 410-857-2481 

Curious about McDaniel College and all it has to offer?

Learn about McDaniel’s programs in Physics – Engineering and related majors Plan your visit as a prospective student