WIE Aspire! Explore Engineering

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WIE Aspire! Explore Engineering

WIE Aspire summer 2026 dates: July 6 - 10, 2026

Summer 2026 Program information and applications will become available in mid-January 2026.

Summer 2025 Program Information 

Program Overview

The WIE Program in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland (UMD) is excited to offer the WIE Aspire summer program designed for rising 9th and 10th grade students who are interested in exploring engineering disciplines, opportunities, and careers. This week-long, commuter program introduces participants to the field of engineering through hands-on projects, engineering lab and facilities tours, and conversations with faculty, staff, and students in the Clark School of Engineering. UMD Engineering students will serve as summer program interns to help participants have an enriching summer experience.  

Program Curriculum

Please note that this serves as an example of a typical day. Specific activities and times are subject to change.
 
Each day you will engage with different engineering disciplines (e.g. Aerospace, Bioengineering, Chemical, Fire Protection, Mechanical) through department presentations and participate in hands-on activities to illustrate basic engineering concepts and the interdisciplinary nature of engineering. 
 
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM   Engineering Presentations and Department Talks & Demos
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM   Lunch & community building
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM     Engineering workshops and activities

Program Goals

  • Build enthusiasm in the possibility of pursuing a career in engineering
  • Introduce high school students to various opportunities in engineering 
  • Showcase the interdisciplinary nature of engineering
  • Gain experience with hands-on engineering activities
  • Foster community among like-minded students who are interested in STEM
*This is not a credit bearing program. It is meant to introduce high school students to various disciplines in engineering and the interdisciplinary nature of the profession.  Participation in WIE Aspire does not guarantee admission to the University of Maryland.
 
Applications for WIE Aspire have closed for summer 2025, as this program is full.  Applications for summer 2026 will open in mid-January 2026.
 
Dates:  Monday July 14 - Friday July 18, 2025
Daily Hours:  9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

The Summer 2025 program cost per student is $625. This fee covers all project materials and activities. Students should plan to bring their own lunch from home each day. Transportation to and from the program is not included. All travel arrangements are to be made by the student and their families as we do not offer transportation to and from the program. Participants are required to be signed in and signed out of the program by an authorized adult.

The WIE Program is committed to providing access to our programs independent of an individual's financial circumstances. Scholarships are available to admitted participants with demonstrated financial need. Once admission notifications are made, participants will receive information on scholarship opportunities as well as payment procedures.

Cancellation Policy:  Once registration is complete and you have submitted payment for WIE Aspire, we will not be able to refund your payment if your student is no longer able to attend.

Applications for WIE Aspire have closed for summer 2025, as this program is full.

Applications for summer 2026 will open in mid-January 2026.

 

Contact Information

Jen Kuntz
Assistant Director, Outreach and Recruitment 
WIE Program
Phone: 301-405-0315

 

 

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