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.  
• We’re committed to diversity. McDaniel was the first coeducational college south of the Mason-Dixon Line and one of the first in the nation. Today, we continue this commitment by embracing diversity in engineering to enrich the field and equip it to address complex issues with a broad understanding of varied needs and experiences. 

• 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, but we are particularly interested in those from underrepresented groups in the engineering field. This includes but is not limited to women and students who are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and American Indian. Those who would be the first in their family to attend college are also encouraged to apply. 

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.  

• 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.