This summer program gives high school students a true taste of what it’s like to study engineering at the college level. You’ll learn fundamental engineering principles, work with computer-aided design tools, run experiments, and collaborate with a team on a group project—no prior engineering experience required.
What to Expect
Get hands-on with real engineering tools and techniques—and find out what it’s actually like to think, build, and problem-solve like an engineer.
Who Will Thrive
This program is for curious students who want to experience hands-on engineering and explore college life. No prior engineering experience is required—just a healthy enjoyment of math and science and a willingness to build things and figure out how they work.
What You'll Study
You’ll explore fundamental engineering principles and the engineering design process, learn to use computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and gain experience with engineering experimentation—the same skills college engineering students develop in their first year.
How The Week Works
Mornings and afternoons are filled with instruction on engineering principles, guest speakers from across the engineering discipline, and dedicated time to work on a group project with your team. Each day builds toward a final presentation of your work.
Cost
Both options include the same seminars, discussions, and creative projects.
Day Student
- All seminars & sessions
- Lunch daily
- Guest talks & sessions
- On-campus housing
- Evening activities
Residential
- All seminars & sessions
- All meals included
- Guest talks & sessions
- On-campus housing (5 nights)
- Evening activities
How to Apply
You can easily apply by following the steps below. Need-based scholarships may be available; please indicate your interest on the application form.
- Complete the Summer in The Heights application form and indicate your interest in the Young Writers Workshop.
- Applications are due by Monday, March 16, 2026.
Program Director
Led by JCU’s Department of Physics & Engineering, where hands-on experimentation and undergraduate research are central to everything students do.
- Jeff Dyck, Ph.D. — Professor and Chair, Department of Physics & Engineering
- Ben Grossman-Ponemon, Ph.D. — Assistant Professor, Department of Physics & Engineering
More questions?
Get answers on housing, meals, packing, and more.
