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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.

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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.

Program Details

McDaniel's Summer Engineering Institute is a free, two-week summer program that introduces you to engineering in a whole new way. Participants 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.

  • The application window for the 2025 Summer Engineering Campus is closed. Register with us if you'd like to be notified about future programs or opportunities. 

  • 2025 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.  
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The McDaniel Summer Engineering Institute inspires students to envision their futures in engineering — for free. To kickstart the next generation of 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.

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.

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
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2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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