WIE Change the World! An Introduction to Maryland 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 Change the World summer program designed for rising 11th and 12th grade women, though open to all, 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 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 area.

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.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM      Breakfast
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM   Engineering Presentations and Department Talks & Demos
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM   Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM     Engineering Lab Tours and Activities
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM     Weeklong Team Design Project
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM     Dinner
7:00 PM                         Evening Social Activities

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.

This week-long, residential program is designed for rising 11th and 12th grade high school women, but open to all gender identities.

Dates: Sunday July 7 - Friday July 12, 2024
For rising 11th and 12th grade students
This is a residential program, beginning at 3:00 PM on Sunday and concluding at 5:00 PM on Friday.

The Summer 2024 program cost per student is $1,400. 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. 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 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.

The summer 2024 WIE Change the World program is full, with a waitlist, and is no longer accepting applications. Waitlist applicants will be notified if space becomes available.

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.
Application Deadline for Best Consideration: March 1, 2024
Application Status Responses for Best Consideration Applications were emailed on March 29, 2024.
Applications on the waitlist will be reviewed as space becomes available.

Contact Information

Jen Kuntz
Assistant Director, Outreach and Recruitment
Women in Engineering Program
Phone: 301-405-0315
Email: jakuntz@umd.edu
 

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