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 Change the World summer program geared toward high school women, but open to all, who are considering majoring in engineering and potentially pursuing it as a career. This week-long program will introduce participants to the various disciplines of engineering through engaging lessons and lectures, hands-on activities, team challenges, and conversations with faculty, staff, and students in the Clark School of Engineering. The curriculum focuses on introducing the fundamental principles and concepts of engineering as well as the impact of engineering on society through experiential learning opportunities.
Session I is a residential one-week program for rising 11th and 12th grade students, where participants will live on-campus for the week and get a taste of college life. UMD Engineering students will serve as summer program interns to help participants have an enriching summer experience as well as manage the residential area.
Session II is a commuter one-week program for rising 10th - 12th grade students, offering the same enriching daytime experience as Session I, though without the overnight experience.
Program Curriculum
Each day you will engage with different engineering disciplines (e.g. Aerospace, Bioengineering, Chemical, Fire Protection, 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 a team project session.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Engineering Presentations and Department Talks & Demos
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Engineering Lab Tours and Activities
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Team Projects
Each evening there will be a “daily hands-on activity challenge”. Session I residential participants will have an evening session after dinner to work on the challenge. Session II commuter participants will complete these activities at home, using provided materials.
Program Goals
- Introduce high school students to various disciplines of engineering
- 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 disciplines in engineering and the interdisciplinary nature of the profession. Participation in WIE Change the World does not guarantee admission to the University of Maryland.
Instructor
Ms. Catherine Hamel
Keystone Instructor
Adjunct Lecturer
Department of Fire Protection Engineering
This week-long program, geared toward high school women, but open to all, will be hosted twice during the summer of 2023. Session I is a residential, overnight program for rising 11th and 12th grade students. Session II is a commuter program for rising 10th - 12th grade students. Students admitted to the program can only attend one of the sessions.
Session I: Sunday, July 9 - Friday, July 14, 2023
For rising 11th and 12th graders
Session I is a residential program, beginning at 4:00 PM on Sunday and concluding at 5:00 PM on Friday.
Session II: Monday, July 17 - Friday, July 21, 2023
For rising 10th - 12th graders
Session II is a commuter program from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM each day.
The Summer 2023 program cost per student for Session I is $1300. This fee covers program materials, activity costs, and room and board. 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.
The Summer 2023 program cost per student for Session II is $500. This fee covers program materials and activity costs. Students should plan to bring their own lunch from home.
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 decisions are made, participants will receive information on scholarship opportunities as well as payment procedures.
With gratitude for their generous support to:
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.
The Program Application for the 2023 WIE Change the World summer program has closed.
As part of the application, you will be prompted to:
- Share about your interest in engineering and the WIE Change the World program.
- Explain why you feel diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to the engineering community.
- Upload a copy of your high school transcript (official or unofficial is acceptable).
- Submit an online STEM teacher recommendation form.
Applications for 2023 WIE summer programs have closed.