Engineering Exploration Program for High School Students

Registration will close temporarily from December 17 through January 2 due to the holiday break.

Embark on a thrilling journey into the realm of engineering with our immersive program tailored for high school students. Over the span of five Saturdays and two Virtual Thursdays, participants will engage in a dynamic blend of direct instruction, problem-based learning, and cooperative learning techniques to discover the exciting world of engineering.

Program Overview:

Saturday Academy Dates

Fall 2024 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily. Registration is closed.

Duration:  Five (5) Saturdays and two (2) Virtual Thursdays

• September 7
• September 21
• October 12
• November 2
• December 7
• November 14 (Virtual Thursday)
• December 12 (Virtual Thursday)

Spring 2025 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily (Enrollment October 28, 2024 – January 10, 2025)

Time: 

• 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays
• 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Virtual Thursdays

Location: UNC Charlotte Woodward Building

Audience: High school students interested in engineering

Capacity: 25 students, grades 9 to 12

Program Highlights:

1. Direct Instruction: Expert instructors will lead engaging lectures and demonstrations to introduce students to various disciplines of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, civil, and more. Participants will gain insight into engineering principles, design processes, and real-world applications.

2. Problem-Based Learning: Through hands-on engineering challenges and design projects, students will apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. From building bridges to constructing electrical circuits, participants will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring the diverse facets of engineering.

3. Cooperative Learning: Collaborative engineering tasks will encourage teamwork and peer collaboration among students. By working in groups to solve complex problems and execute design projects, participants will hone their communication skills, learn from each other’s perspectives, and foster a spirit of innovation and collaboration.

4. Virtual Thursdays: Two virtual sessions on Thursdays will complement the Saturday sessions, offering opportunities for interactive discussions, virtual lab simulations, and guest speaker presentations. These sessions provide flexibility and additional engagement, allowing students to deepen their understanding of engineering concepts.

5. Guest Speakers: Industry professionals and guest speakers from various engineering fields will share their experiences and insights with students during the virtual Thursday sessions. From aerospace engineers to environmental scientists, these speakers offer valuable perspectives on career paths and opportunities in engineering.

Benefits for Participants:

• Explore diverse disciplines of engineering and STEM fields
• Develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills
• Gain hands-on experience through engineering challenges and projects
• Interact with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into engineering careers
• Build a portfolio of engineering projects and experiences to showcase future endeavors
• Earn a certificate of participation in data science for 30 hours contact (23) and independent (7) experiences

Registration Information:

Registration Information: Please visit https://cstem.charlotte.edu/hsengineering.

Registration Deadline: Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Cost: $125.00 per participant

Full Participation Required

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of engineering and ignite your passion for innovation and creativity. Join us for five Saturdays and two virtual Thursdays filled with exploration, discovery, and engineering adventures!