WIE Change the World! An Introduction to Maryland Engineering

The Women in Engineering (WIE) Program in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland (UMD) is excited to offer the WIE Change the World summer program designed for rising 11th and 12th grade students who are considering majoring in engineering and potentially pursuing it as a career.  This week-long, residential program will introduce participants to campus life and the various engineering departments and majors at the University of Maryland through engaging lessons and lectures, hands-on activities, team design challenges, 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 as well as manage the residential experience. Our programs are open to all students!

Program Curriculum

Each day you will engage with different engineering disciplines (Aerospace, Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil & Environmental, Electrical and Computer, Fire Protection, Materials Science, Mechanical) through department presentations and hands-on activities to illustrate basic engineering concepts and the interdisciplinary nature of engineering. 

Typical Day

Please note that this serves as an example of a typical day. Specific activities and times are subject to change. Each day will include department presentations, hands-on activities and workshops, and a team design project session. View the summer 2025 schedule as an example. 

• Introduce high school students to various engineering majors
• Showcase the interdisciplinary nature of engineering
• Gain experience with hands-on engineering design projects
• Foster community among like-minded students who are interested in engineering
• Build mentor relationships between high school students and current UMD engineering students

*This is NOT a credit bearing program. It is meant to introduce high school students to various majors in engineering and the interdisciplinary nature of the profession.  Participation in WIE Change the World does not guarantee admission to the University of Maryland.

Program Dates

Sunday July 12 - Friday July 17, 2026

This is a residential program, beginning at 3:00 PM on Sunday and concluding at 5:00 PM on Friday.  Participants are expected to attend the entire program. 

Program Cost

The Summer 2026 program cost per student is $1,500. This fee covers program materials, activity costs, and room and board (housing and meals). 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 decisions are made, participants will receive information on scholarship opportunities as well as payment procedures.

Cancellation Policy: Once you have registered and paid for WIE Change the World, we will not be able to refund your payment if your student is no longer able to attend.

Program Application

To apply for WIE Change the World! An Introduction to Maryland Engineering, please visit: go.umd.edu/2026WIEChange

As part of the application, you will be prompted to:

• Share about your interest in engineering and the WIE Change the World program.
• Upload a copy of your high school transcript (official or unofficial is acceptable).
• Submit an online STEM teacher recommendation form.

Application Deadline for Best Consideration: March 1, 2026

Status Responses for all applications received by the March 1st best consideration date will be emailed on March 31, 2026.

Applications received after the best consideration date of March 1, 2026 will be placed on a waitlist and reviewed as space becomes available.