WIE Aspire! Explore Engineering

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Summer 2025 Program Information will become available in January 2025.

Program Overview

The Women in Engineering 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 women, though open to all, 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 various engineering concepts through hands-on activities, demos, and tours that highlight the interdisciplinary nature of engineering. 

Typical Day

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM   Engineering activities, demos, and tours
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM   Lunch
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM      Engineering activities, demos, and tours 

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.
 

This week-long, commuter program is designed for rising 9th and 10th grade high school women, though open to all gender identities. 

Dates:  Monday June 24 - Friday June 28, 2024
Daily Hours:  9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
For rising 9th and 10th grade students

The Summer 2024 program cost per student is $600. This fee covers all project materials and activities. Students should plan to bring their own lunch from home. 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 Women in Engineering 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.

The WIE Aspire! Explore Engineering program application has closed and we are no longer accepting applications for summer 2024. 

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

  • Share about your interest in engineering and the WIE Aspire program.
  • Explain why you feel diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to the engineering community.
  • Upload a copy of your middle/high school transcript (official or unofficial is acceptable).
  • Submit an online STEM teacher recommendation form.
Application Deadline for Best Consideration: March 1, 2024
Application Status Response for Best Consideration applications were emailed on March 29, 2024.
 

Contact Information

Jen Kuntz
Assistant Director, Outreach and Recruitment 
Women in Engineering Program
Phone: 301-405-0315

 

 

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