Now in their third year, the IEEE TryEngineering educator sessions continue to empower preuniversity teachers with specialized professional development programs on engineering topics and classroom-tested lessons. This year’s sessions, held across the United States, have focused on educating teachers about artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. One session was held in Egypt. In all, 54 educators learned about the engineering design process this year. They received an overview of TryEngineering resources including the Making of a Microchip and Train Your Tree lesson plans. Workshops are scheduled this year in Greece and Guatemala. The TryEngineering program is administered by IEEE Educational Activities. These teachers and guest speakers attended the two-day session held at the Florida Semiconductor Institute and SkyWater Technology chip manufacturing facility.IEEE Educational Activities ## A network of host universities Central to the educator session program’s success is its university network. Host campuses welcome teachers into their facilities, where faculty provide background information about some of the technologies being taught, as well as possible engineering career paths and job opportunities for students. This year’s sessions involved the educators in hands-on projects. Facilitators at each location were selected based on their experience in engineering education, and they worked with the TryEngineering staff on their presentations. GEMS International School******** Sixteen teachers from nine schools participated in the session, held in Cairo. It was facilitated by Marwa Soudi, an IEEE member, and Senior Member Stamatis Dragoumanos. Both are past chairs of the IEEE preuniversity coordinating committee. GEMS provided outstanding STEM facilities for teachers, Saudi and Dragoumanos said. Participants received an overview of the Working With Wind Energy and Tall Tower Challenge lesson plans. Another educator session is scheduled for later this year. University of Florida Educators from across the state gathered at the university’s Florida Semiconductor Institute, headquartered in Gainesville, and FSI’s NeoCity high-tech manufacturing campus near Orlando. The session was hosted by Roseanne Perez, an FSI workforce development program specialist, and Sophia Watson, FSI’s assistant director of workforce development. The two-day experience featured an inside look at microelectronics through a guided tour of a SkyWater Technology chip manufacturing facility. Engineering instructor Mary Acken facilitated hands-on lesson demonstrations for the 15 attending teachers. Reflecting on the workshop’s impact, one participant said the SkyWater tour was excellent, the instructors were great, and the teachers enjoyed learning from like-minded educators. Arizona State University Michael Kozicki, an IEEE member, and Stefan Myhajlenko from the university’s engineering school welcomed 11 Arizona teachers to the Tempe campus. The session was facilitated by Janet Hartkopf, an Arizona school leader and a former TryEngineering educator session participant. Hartkopf highlighted collaborative learning, the need for diverse perspectives in engineering education, and career paths. The teachers received instruction on how to implement the hands-on lessons in their classrooms, and they toured the university’s NanoFab facility to observe microelectronics research. “This training was amazing!” said a participant who leads an elementary after-school STEM club. “I loved the hands-on lessons and e-books, which I will definitely be using with my students. I am excited to explore all the resources on the TryEngineering website. The experts from ASU were great.” University of Minnesota Sixteen STEM educators attended this session, held at the university’s International Institute for Biosensing in Minneapolis. Its director, Patricia Khashayar, an IEEE member, introduced participants to the capabilities of the university’s Supercomputing Institute and Nano Center. Under the guidance of Claire Dietz, an education and outreach coordinator, and Pam Schumacher, an instructor at St. Paul College, the teachers completed classroom-ready lessons including a photonics experiment using the Nano Center’s equipment. Schumacher attended last year’s TryEngineering educator session. Nano Center Director Sarah Swisher, an IEEE senior member, provided an overview of semiconductor operations and highlighted growing job opportunities for the state’s young people. The experience inspired all 16 teachers to plan student field trips to the Nano Center during the upcoming academic year, they said. “Great class!” one participant said. “I’m excited to bring some of the TryEngineering materials back to our school.” This year’s sessions built on the momentum from last year when, with financial support from Onsemi’s Giving Now program, nearly 80 teachers attended sessions across five U.S. states and Mexico. Driven by that success and the demand for more, the IEEE Educational Activities Board continued its support. Upcoming global sessions are expected to expand the program’s international footprint. “I appreciated the time to collaborate with peers on how to implement hands-on lessons,” one participating teacher this year said. Some participants said they planned follow-up visits with the experts and campus tours. You can learn more about the sessions by emailing TryEngineering.

The IEEE STEM Summit is a free, 2-day virtual event for sharing ideas and advancing pre-university STEM education.

IEEE TryEngineering is dedicated to inspiring intellectual curiosity in children. The technologies shaping our world, including in the realms of artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and ocean exploration, are evolving rapidly. Helping young learners understand the concepts is essential to preparing the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, and engineers. TryEngineering has introduced a STEM book series for youngsters ages 8 to 12 through the Lerner Publishing Group. The series, Tomorrow’s Technology With TryEngineering, Powered by IEEE, makes complex topics more approachable and engaging, with each book combining age-appropriate explanations, real-world examples, and design challenges that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. The series is based on ebooks and videos available at tryengineering.org. For the series, TryEngineering partnered with several other IEEE groups including the Communications, Computer, and Oceanic Engineering societies and the Transportation Electrification Council. Whether used in the classroom, a library, or at home, the books can help pupils connect STEM concepts to the technologies they encounter every day, including computers and smartphones. ## Six topics in the collection Here are the books in the new collection: Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Smart Technology explores the systems behind streaming services, search engines, and health care. Readers learn how AI works while exploring ethical concerns such as bias, deepfakes, hallucinations, and privacy. Pupils can better understand one of the most influential technologies of our time as it evolves. Communication Technology: From Morse Code to Smartphones teaches readers about smoke signals, semaphore towers, telephones, and wireless networks. The pupils can gain an understanding of how engineers are changing communications technology through innovations such as 6G and space-based networks. The book highlights career opportunities in the aerospace and telecommunications fields. Electric Vehicles: Powering the Future of Transportation covers how e-cars, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electrified trains are transforming the way people travel. Readers can discover how hybrid and fully electric vehicles operate and how the batteries that power them work. They also can learn about the roles engineers play in developing smarter transit systems. Ocean Engineering: Protecting Our Ocean Environments highlights the vital ecosystem role played by the world’s oceans, which require careful stewardship. play in our ecosystem. Readers can learn how engineers study the underwater world using submersibles and floats, how they address pollution, and how they protect marine environments. Semiconductors: The Building Blocks of Modern Electronics focuses on the technology behind nearly every electronic tool we use. Microchips power smartphones, computers, and countless other products, all thanks to semiconductors. Readers can learn about insulators and conductors, how microchips are manufactured, and why semiconductor engineering is a fertile field for innovation. Signal Power: The Hidden Waves Behind Modern Tech explores how engineers analyze and manipulate signals to make technologies work more effectively. Whether it is a phone call reaching the correct person despite background noise or a medical device monitoring a patient, signal processing plays crucial roles in modern life. The book introduces different wave types, the signal processing workflow, and careers in the field. The book series can help children understand the technologies shaping the world around them while encouraging them to think like engineers and innovators. By connecting STEM concepts to real-world applications, the series can make learning more meaningful and engaging. The Tomorrow’s Technology With TryEngineering series is available through Amazon, Bookshop, and Lerner. More about the collection may be found here.

The IEEE STEM Summit brings together educators, STEM outreach volunteers, and enthusiasts from around the world for two days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. This year’s event features…

TryEngineering is among 52 projects sharing a $2 million grant

IEEE TryEngineering is celebrating 20 years of empowering educators with resources that introduce engineering to students at an early age. Launched in 2006 as a collaboration between IEEE , IBM , and.

IEEE TryEngineering, a program within Educational Activities, fosters outreach to school-age children worldwide by equipping teachers and IEEE volunteers with tools for engaging activities. The science, technology, engineering, and math resources include peer-reviewed lesson plans, games, and activities that are designed to captivate and inspire—all provided at no cost. The TryEngineering STEM grant program provides financial support to IEEE volunteers to start, sustain, or scale up selected outreach projects in their communities. Since its inception in 2021, 144 projects have been funded, totaling more than US $176,000. At least 1,000 IEEE volunteers have led programs, engaging with more than 19,000 students.

TryEngineering Inspires the Engineers of Tomorrow . TryEngineering aims to empower educators to foster the next generation of technology innovators. We provide educators and students with resources, l...

The OnCampus program, administered by IEEE Educational Activities, last year expanded its engineering experiences from two to seven universities. Part of TryEngineering, the program is held at universities around the world, offering preuniversity students hands-on opportunities to solve engineering problems. The IEEE Innovation Committee provided funding for the additional locations. ## New participating institutions The electrical engineering and computing faculty at the University of Zagreb, in Croatia, hosted a two-day program in June. Twenty-five children ages 10 to 14 participated in lectures and workshops on artificial intelligence, computer science, robotics, and astronomy. Tomislav Jagušt, an IEEE senior member and the chair of the IEEE preuniversity coordinating committee, led the program. In September the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport’s engineering college held a two-day session at its Abu Kir, Egypt, campus. Fifty students participated in hands-on activities on Ohm’s law, radio communications, and circuit building. They also learned from professors about engineering careers and job opportunities. Also in September, the Majan University College, in Muscat, Oman**,** hosted 40 high school students who competed in six challenges to design and build circuits. These include an IoT design and an LED brightness control using a potentiometer, a three-terminal, manually adjustable resistor that functions as a variable voltage divider. The program also highlighted AI and quantum computing technologies and introduced students to job opportunities in the fields. The workshop transformed curiosity into creation, empowering students with technical skills and confidence in emerging technologies. In November at the Universiti Malaysia Perlis, in Arau, 50 students explored the fundamentals of quantum computational intelligence and AI through hands-on activities and interactive simulations. IEEE Senior Member Mohd Hafiz Ismail, a professor of electronic engineering and technology, gave an introduction about quantum computing intelligence technology. The Hellenic Robotics Center of Excellence at the National Technical University of Athens hosted a two-day session in December. Twenty-five students explored robotics and AI through hands-on design challenges such as TryEngineering’s AI and machine learning methods. They also toured the university’s research facilities. ## Hong Kong and Greek universities participate again The City University and St. Francis University in Hong Kong, and the University of Ioannina, Arta campus, Greece, participated in the program for a second year. Under the leadership of IEEE Senior Member Paulina Chan and volunteers from the IEEE Hong Kong Section, the City and St. Francis universities jointly held the program in July. They welcomed 55 students ages 12 to 18 from 41 schools. The students attended tutorials on foundational concepts and theories of AI. They worked in small teams on projects using AI-generated images, voice, and music manipulations. They were coached by students from St. Francis and Imperial College London. The participants presented their projects to judges, teachers, and parents. The students also visited a nearby semiconductor equipment manufacturer to learn about technology careers from engineers working there. The results of a post-program survey showed strong satisfaction with OnCampus, with nearly 75 percent of participants giving it a rating of 4 or higher out of 5. “I enjoyed getting to know about deep learning and its application,” one student participant said. “The content of the activity matched my interest, and I gained new knowledge.” “OnCampus is led by a strong team with lots of experts in the field,” another said. “It’s a rare chance for students to use software, learn about the theory behind how deep learning works, and get a glance at future possibilities.” The University of Ioannina hosted the program in Arta in July with support from IEEE Senior Member Stamatis Dragoumanos and IEEE members Nikos Giannakeas and Eleftheria Kallinikou. Nearly 50 students, ages 12 to 16, attended the seven-day event, supported by 17 instructors and six volunteers from the university’s IEEE student branch. The students learned about AI, augmented reality, microchip design, microcontrollers, and 3D printing. They also attended presentations by engineers from the industry. To give the students exposure to real-world engineering, they visited two hydroelectric power plants and a green data center. At the end of the program, students presented their projects and showcased the technical skills they had developed. Those involved in the TryEngineering OnCampus program are proud of the impactful experiences students have gained. The opportunities are possible because universities open their doors, share their expertise, and invest in the next generation of innovators. The University of Zagreb, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, the Majan University College**,** and The City University and St. Francis University will be participating again this year. To learn how you can bring the OnCampus program to your educational institution, send a request to tryengineering@ieee.org.

IEEE TryEngineering is celebrating 20 years of empowering educators with resources that introduce engineering to students at an early age. Launched in 2006 as a collaboration between IEEE, IBM, and the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), TryEngineering began with a clear goal: Make engineering accessible, understandable, and engaging for students and the teachers who support them. What started as an idea within IEEE Educational Activities has grown into a global platform supporting preuniversity engineering education around the world. ## Concerns about the future In the early 2000s, engineering was largely absent from preuniversity education, typically being taught only in small, isolated programs. Most students had little exposure to the many types of engineering, and they did not learn what engineers actually do. At the same time, industry and academic leaders were increasingly concerned about the future of engineering as a whole. They worried about the talent pipeline and saw existing outreach efforts as scattered and inconsistent. In 2004 representatives from several electrical and computer engineering industries met with IEEE leadership and expressed their concerns about the declining number of students interested in engineering careers. They urged IEEE to organize a more effective, coordinated response to unite professional societies, educators, and industry around a shared approach to preuniversity outreach and education. One of the major recommendations to come out of that meeting was to start teaching youngsters about engineering earlier. Research from the U.S. National Academy of Engineering at the time showed that students begin forming attitudes toward science, technology, engineering, and math fields from ages 5 to 10, and that outreach should begin as early as kindergarten. Waiting until the teen years or university-level education is simply too late, they determined; it needs to happen during the formative years to spark long-term interest in STEM learning. ## The idea behind the website TryEngineering emerged from the broader Launching Our Children’s Path to Engineering initiative, which was approved in 2005 by the IEEE Board of Directors. A core element of the IEEE program was a public-facing website that would introduce young learners to engineering projects, roles, and careers. The concept eventually developed into TryEngineering.org. The idea for TryEngineering.org itself grew from an existing, successful model. The NYSCI operated TryScience.org, a popular public website supported by IBM that helped students explore science topics through hands-on activities and real‑world connections. At the time, the IEEE Educational Activities group was working with the NYSCI on TryScience projects. Building a parallel site focused on engineering was a natural next step, and IBM’s experience in supporting large‑scale educational outreach made it a strong partner. A central figure in turning that vision into reality was Moshe Kam, who served as the 2005–2007 IEEE Educational Activities vice president, and later as the 2011 IEEE president. During his tenure, Kam spearheaded the creation of TryEngineering.org and guided the international expansion of IEEE’s Teacher In‑Service Program, which trained volunteers to work directly with teachers to create hands-on engineering lessons (the program no longer exists). His leadership helped establish preuniversity education as a core, long‑term priority within IEEE. “The founders of the IEEE TryEngineering program created something very special. In a world where the messaging about becoming an engineer often scares students who have not yet developed math skills away from our profession, and preuniversity teachers without engineering degrees have trepidation in teaching topics in our fields of interest, people like Dr. Kam and the other founders had a vision where everyone could literally __try__ engineering,” says Jamie Moesch, IEEE Educational Activities managing director. “Because of this, teachers have now taught millions of our hands-on lessons and opened our profession to so many more young minds,” he adds. “All of the preuniversity programs we have continued to build and improve upon are fueled by this massively important and simple-to-understand concept of try engineering.” ## A focus on educators From the beginning, TryEngineering focused on educators as the keys to its success, rather than starting with students. Instead of complex technical explanations, the platform offered free, classroom-ready lesson plans with clear explanations about engineering fields and examples with which students could relate. Hands-on activities emphasized problem‑solving, creativity, and teamwork—core elements of how engineers actually work. IEEE leaders also recognized that misconceptions about engineering discouraged many talented young people—particularly girls and students from underrepresented groups—from pursuing engineering as a career. TryEngineering aimed to show engineering as practical, creative, and connected to real-world needs, helping students see that engineering could be for anyone, not just a narrow group of specialists. By simply encouraging students and educators to just __try__ engineering, doors are open to new possibilities and a broader understanding of the field. Even students who ultimately choose other career paths get to learn key concepts, such as the engineering design process, equipping them with practical skills for the rest of their life. ## Outreach programs and summer camps During the past two decades, TryEngineering has grown well beyond its original website. In addition to providing a vast library of lesson plans and resources that engage and inspire, it also serves as the hub for a collection of programs reaching educators and students in many ways. Those include the TryEngineering STEM Champions program, which empowers dedicated volunteers to support outreach programs and serve as vital connectors to IEEE’s extensive resources. The TryEngineering Summer Institute offers immersive campus‑based experiences for students ages 13 to 17, with expanded locations and programs being introduced this year. The IEEE STEM Summit is an annual virtual event that brings together educators and volunteers from around the world. TryEngineering OnCampus partners with universities around the globe to organize hands-on programs. TryEngineering educator sessions provide free professional development programs aligned with emerging industry needs such as semiconductors. ## 20 ways to celebrate 20 years To mark its 20th anniversary, TryEngineering is celebrating with a year of special activities, new partnerships, and fresh resources for educators. Visit the TryEngineering 20th Anniversary collection page to explore what’s ahead, join the celebration, and discover 20 ways to celebrate 20 years of inspiring the next generation of technology innovators. This is an opportunity to reflect on how far the program has come, and to help shape how the next generation discovers engineering. “The passion and dedication of the thousands of volunteers of IEEE who do local outreach enables the IEEE-wide goal to inspire intellectual curiosity and invention to engage the next generation of technology innovators,” Moesch says. “The first 20 years have been special, and I cannot wait to have the world experience what the future holds for the TryEngineering programs.”

The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, one student participant says, “allowed me to gain new experiences and understand the different types of engineering disciplines, and make many great friends and memories that will remain with me.” Administered by IEEE Educational Activities, the institute is a nine-day summer sleepaway camp for students ages 13 to 17. It provides a fun, immersive approach to learning. Students engage in hands-on activities, speak with engineers, and take field trips to learn about real-world problems and solutions. ### Participating Universities Columbia, New York City Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Rice University, Houston University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University of San Diego Launched in 2018, the Summer Institute is held annually at a number of U.S. universities. The program this year was held on five campuses: the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia; Rice University, in Houston; the University of San Diego; the Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta; and Columbia, the newest location, organized in partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC). In its inaugural year, more than 80 students participated. This year 311 attended. Students explored trending technologies including artificial intelligence and microcontrollers. They also took a deep dive into ethical issues facing engineers, what to expect when pursuing higher education, and what STEM careers look like. Here is an overview of the events that took place at each location. ## University of Pennsylvania The Penn campus provided students with several historical and cultural experiences. Participants visited the Franklin Institute, where an IEEE volunteer explained some of the technologies on display at the science center. A speaker from the Philadelphia International Airport shared what engineers are doing to keep one of the busiest U.S. airports running smoothly. Engineers from Salesforce described the importance of creative problem-solving and the expanding use of technology across different industries. The company provides cloud-based software. “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering.” **—Summer Institute participant** The students also attended several hands-on sessions about different technologies and engineering fields. “I enjoyed the microcontroller lessons the most,” one participant said, “because I was able to combine my computer programming skills with my friend’s electrical skills to create something I wouldn’t have been able to make on my own. “This program is an opportunity to explore the different branches of engineering.” ## Rice University Students at Rice met with faculty members and designed solutions to several engineering challenges, such as creating and testing bridge designs and gliders. In the bridge challenge, students built a structure from balsa wood and glue, then tested its strength by adding weight until it failed. The glider challenge showed students how to build and test aircraft designs. “I enjoyed the challenges because they were interesting and competitive, helping us develop more critical thinking and teamwork skills,” one student said. Another said working with a team and building things “was a cool experience, even if we failed.” Highlights for many students were visits from Salesforce and BP engineers, who talked about the importance of having an engineering mindset, no matter the industry. Students spent a day visiting NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In addition to a guided behind-the-scenes tour, they got to meet former astronauts, who explained the engineering design of their rockets and gave career advice. ## University of San Diego Students at USD built gliders and tested their designs. They also worked in teams to determine a solution to the __toxic popcorn challenge, which involved designing a product and process to safely remove harmful kernels. The students also toured Qualcomm’s headquarters. “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering,” one participant said, calling the program “an invaluable resource, especially for students who don’t have access to engineering classes or a robotics team at their school.” ## Columbia University The camp held in New York City offered students the opportunity to participate in leadership sessions in addition to hands-on activities, thanks to the NSLC partnership. Students visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst in New Jersey. Members of the U.S. Air Force and Marines introduced the students to state-of-the-art technology used for rescue missions. The participants explored helicopters and flew drones during their visit. They also had the opportunity to explore the American Museum of Natural History and Times Square in Manhattan. “I loved the program, the campus, the staff, my classmates, and the activities,” one student said. ## Georgia Institute of Technology Thanks to support from Georgia Tech’s Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, the Georgia Space Grant Consortium, IEEE Technical Activities, and industry partners, 20 Georgia high school students were able to participate in the TryEngineering Summer Institute at no cost. The students stayed on Georgia Tech’s campus, attended classes in the Guggenheim aerospace engineering labs, and participated in residential life activities each evening. Students were challenged to design, build, and test a robotic boat capable of delivering humanitarian aid packages (simulated by plastic balls). Georgia Tech students and faculty members served as mentors throughout the process and helped the students build the boats. TryEngineering participants were taught how to think critically and solve problems. They also learned how to work with an Arduino. Summer Institute students at Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, get ready to test their robotic boat designs in a hands-on engineering challenge.Georgia Space Grant Consortium Students presented their prototype boats to parents and faculty members, explained how they solved problems, and discussed the challenges they faced along the way. When students were not working on their boat, they participated in team-building exercises and other educational activities. They also visited Accenture’s offices near the campus and met with industry professionals. Engineers from Siemens visited the students to discuss STEM career paths. A highlight was a trip to the Delta Flight Museum near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Participants learned about aviation history and toured the museum’s hangars. Students at all the campuses participated in the sparking solutions __ group activity __.__ Each team of students identifies an engineering problem and a possible solution. Problems included ways to increase mobility for the elderly to improving the water quality in a park. Using an engineering design process, teams of participants developed a design and prototype of their solution. They then created a presentation and pitched their solution to a team of volunteer judges from the IEEE Educational Activities preuniversity education coordinating committee. The members provided guidance to the young engineers and scored the projects based on the perceived demand for the final product or service, the students’ passion for their project, the design, and the style and effectiveness of their presentation. The top team received a prize. ## IEEE technical societies and other donors A critical component of the Summer Institute is offering scholarships to attend the program through the Educational Activities Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation. IEEE societies and councils that provided funding for 45 students include the Computational Intelligence, Computer, Electronics Packaging, Industry Applications, Oceanic Engineering, Photonics, Power & Energy, Power Electronics, Robotics and Automation, Signal Processing, and Solid-State Circuits societies. Their support enabled more students to attend the program and strengthened IEEE’s role in shaping future innovators and leaders. “Before I attended the summer camp, I was not sure if I was cut out to be an engineer,” one scholarship recipient said. “But after my wonderful experience at the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, I am sure that this will be the right career path for me.” Another recipient said, “Now that I have experienced all of the disciplines of engineering, I am better educated in the field as a whole. I have all of the information I need to choose a specific field to have a career in. “To the people who funded my scholarship, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The only reason that I was able to experience a great city in California and become more independent while staying in college dorms is because of you.”

The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, one student participant says, “allowed me to gain new experiences and understand the different types of engineering disciplines, and make many great friends and memories that will remain with me.” Administered by IEEE Educational Activities, the institute is a nine-day summer sleepaway camp for students ages 13 to 17. It provides a fun, immersive approach to learning. Students engage in hands-on activities, speak with engineers, and take field trips to learn about real-world problems and solutions. ### Participating Universities Columbia, New York City Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Rice University, Houston University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University of San Diego Launched in 2018, the Summer Institute is held annually at a number of U.S. universities. The program this year was held on five campuses: the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia; Rice University, in Houston; the University of San Diego; the Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta; and Columbia, the newest location, organized in partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC). In its inaugural year, more than 80 students participated. This year 311 attended. Students explored trending technologies including artificial intelligence and microcontrollers. They also took a deep dive into ethical issues facing engineers, what to expect when pursuing higher education, and what STEM careers look like. Here is an overview of the events that took place at each location. ## University of Pennsylvania The Penn campus provided students with several historical and cultural experiences. Participants visited the Franklin Institute, where an IEEE volunteer explained some of the technologies on display at the science center. A speaker from the Philadelphia International Airport shared what engineers are doing to keep one of the busiest U.S. airports running smoothly. Engineers from Salesforce described the importance of creative problem-solving and the expanding use of technology across different industries. The company provides cloud-based software. “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering.” **—Summer Institute participant** The students also attended several hands-on sessions about different technologies and engineering fields. “I enjoyed the microcontroller lessons the most,” one participant said, “because I was able to combine my computer programming skills with my friend’s electrical skills to create something I wouldn’t have been able to make on my own. “This program is an opportunity to explore the different branches of engineering.” ## Rice University Students at Rice met with faculty members and designed solutions to several engineering challenges, such as creating and testing bridge designs and gliders. In the bridge challenge, students built a structure from balsa wood and glue, then tested its strength by adding weight until it failed. The glider challenge showed students how to build and test aircraft designs. “I enjoyed the challenges because they were interesting and competitive, helping us develop more critical thinking and teamwork skills,” one student said. Another said working with a team and building things “was a cool experience, even if we failed.” Highlights for many students were visits from Salesforce and BP engineers, who talked about the importance of having an engineering mindset, no matter the industry. Students spent a day visiting NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In addition to a guided behind-the-scenes tour, they got to meet former astronauts, who explained the engineering design of their rockets and gave career advice. ## University of San Diego Students at USD built gliders and tested their designs. They also worked in teams to determine a solution to the __toxic popcorn challenge, which involved designing a product and process to safely remove harmful kernels. The students also toured Qualcomm’s headquarters. “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering,” one participant said, calling the program “an invaluable resource, especially for students who don’t have access to engineering classes or a robotics team at their school.” ## Columbia University The camp held in New York City offered students the opportunity to participate in leadership sessions in addition to hands-on activities, thanks to the NSLC partnership. Students visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst in New Jersey. Members of the U.S. Air Force and Marines introduced the students to state-of-the-art technology used for rescue missions. The participants explored helicopters and flew drones during their visit. They also had the opportunity to explore the American Museum of Natural History and Times Square in Manhattan. “I loved the program, the campus, the staff, my classmates, and the activities,” one student said. ## Georgia Institute of Technology Thanks to support from Georgia Tech’s Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, the Georgia Space Grant Consortium, IEEE Technical Activities, and industry partners, 20 Georgia high school students were able to participate in the TryEngineering Summer Institute at no cost. The students stayed on Georgia Tech’s campus, attended classes in the Guggenheim aerospace engineering labs, and participated in residential life activities each evening. Students were challenged to design, build, and test a robotic boat capable of delivering humanitarian aid packages (simulated by plastic balls). Georgia Tech students and faculty members served as mentors throughout the process and helped the students build the boats. TryEngineering participants were taught how to think critically and solve problems. They also learned how to work with an Arduino. Summer Institute students at Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, get ready to test their robotic boat designs in a hands-on engineering challenge.Georgia Space Grant Consortium Students presented their prototype boats to parents and faculty members, explained how they solved problems, and discussed the challenges they faced along the way. When students were not working on their boat, they participated in team-building exercises and other educational activities. They also visited Accenture’s offices near the campus and met with industry professionals. Engineers from Siemens visited the students to discuss STEM career paths. A highlight was a trip to the Delta Flight Museum near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Participants learned about aviation history and toured the museum’s hangars. Students at all the campuses participated in the sparking solutions __ group activity __.__ Each team of students identifies an engineering problem and a possible solution. Problems included ways to increase mobility for the elderly to improving the water quality in a park. Using an engineering design process, teams of participants developed a design and prototype of their solution. They then created a presentation and pitched their solution to a team of volunteer judges from the IEEE Educational Activities preuniversity education coordinating committee. The members provided guidance to the young engineers and scored the projects based on the perceived demand for the final product or service, the students’ passion for their project, the design, and the style and effectiveness of their presentation. The top team received a prize. ## IEEE technical societies and other donors A critical component of the Summer Institute is offering scholarships to attend the program through the Educational Activities Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation. IEEE societies and councils that provided funding for 45 students include the Computational Intelligence, Computer, Electronics Packaging, Industry Applications, Oceanic Engineering, Photonics, Power & Energy, Power Electronics, Robotics and Automation, Signal Processing, and Solid-State Circuits societies. Their support enabled more students to attend the program and strengthened IEEE’s role in shaping future innovators and leaders. “Before I attended the summer camp, I was not sure if I was cut out to be an engineer,” one scholarship recipient said. “But after my wonderful experience at the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, I am sure that this will be the right career path for me.” Another recipient said, “Now that I have experienced all of the disciplines of engineering, I am better educated in the field as a whole. I have all of the information I need to choose a specific field to have a career in. “To the people who funded my scholarship, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The only reason that I was able to experience a great city in California and become more independent while staying in college dorms is because of you.”

The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, one student participant says, “allowed me to gain new experiences and understand the different types of engineering disciplines, and make many great friends and memories that will remain with me.” Administered by IEEE Educational Activities, the institute is a nine-day summer sleepaway camp for students ages 13 to 17. It provides a fun, immersive approach to learning. Students engage in hands-on activities, speak with engineers, and take field trips to learn about real-world problems and solutions. ### Participating Universities Columbia, New York City Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Rice University, Houston University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University of San Diego Launched in 2018, the Summer Institute is held annually at a number of U.S. universities. The program this year was held on five campuses: the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia; Rice University, in Houston; the University of San Diego; the Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta; and Columbia, the newest location, organized in partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC). In its inaugural year, more than 80 students participated. This year 311 attended. Students explored trending technologies including artificial intelligence and microcontrollers. They also took a deep dive into ethical issues facing engineers, what to expect when pursuing higher education, and what STEM careers look like. Here is an overview of the events that took place at each location. ## University of Pennsylvania The Penn campus provided students with several historical and cultural experiences. Participants visited the Franklin Institute, where an IEEE volunteer explained some of the technologies on display at the science center. A speaker from the Philadelphia International Airport shared what engineers are doing to keep one of the busiest U.S. airports running smoothly. Engineers from Salesforce described the importance of creative problem-solving and the expanding use of technology across different industries. The company provides cloud-based software. “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering.” **—Summer Institute participant** The students also attended several hands-on sessions about different technologies and engineering fields. “I enjoyed the microcontroller lessons the most,” one participant said, “because I was able to combine my computer programming skills with my friend’s electrical skills to create something I wouldn’t have been able to make on my own. “This program is an opportunity to explore the different branches of engineering.” ## Rice University Students at Rice met with faculty members and designed solutions to several engineering challenges, such as creating and testing bridge designs and gliders. In the bridge challenge, students built a structure from balsa wood and glue, then tested its strength by adding weight until it failed. The glider challenge showed students how to build and test aircraft designs. “I enjoyed the challenges because they were interesting and competitive, helping us develop more critical thinking and teamwork skills,” one student said. Another said working with a team and building things “was a cool experience, even if we failed.” Highlights for many students were visits from Salesforce and BP engineers, who talked about the importance of having an engineering mindset, no matter the industry. Students spent a day visiting NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In addition to a guided behind-the-scenes tour, they got to meet former astronauts, who explained the engineering design of their rockets and gave career advice. ## University of San Diego Students at USD built gliders and tested their designs. They also worked in teams to determine a solution to the __toxic popcorn challenge, which involved designing a product and process to safely remove harmful kernels. The students also toured Qualcomm’s headquarters. “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering,” one participant said, calling the program “an invaluable resource, especially for students who don’t have access to engineering classes or a robotics team at their school.” ## Columbia University The camp held in New York City offered students the opportunity to participate in leadership sessions in addition to hands-on activities, thanks to the NSLC partnership. Students visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst in New Jersey. Members of the U.S. Air Force and Marines introduced the students to state-of-the-art technology used for rescue missions. The participants explored helicopters and flew drones during their visit. They also had the opportunity to explore the American Museum of Natural History and Times Square in Manhattan. “I loved the program, the campus, the staff, my classmates, and the activities,” one student said. ## Georgia Institute of Technology Thanks to support from Georgia Tech’s Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, the Georgia Space Grant Consortium, IEEE Technical Activities, and industry partners, 20 Georgia high school students were able to participate in the TryEngineering Summer Institute at no cost. The students stayed on Georgia Tech’s campus, attended classes in the Guggenheim aerospace engineering labs, and participated in residential life activities each evening. Students were challenged to design, build, and test a robotic boat capable of delivering humanitarian aid packages (simulated by plastic balls). Georgia Tech students and faculty members served as mentors throughout the process and helped the students build the boats. TryEngineering participants were taught how to think critically and solve problems. They also learned how to work with an Arduino. Summer Institute students at Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, get ready to test their robotic boat designs in a hands-on engineering challenge.Georgia Space Grant Consortium Students presented their prototype boats to parents and faculty members, explained how they solved problems, and discussed the challenges they faced along the way. When students were not working on their boat, they participated in team-building exercises and other educational activities. They also visited Accenture’s offices near the campus and met with industry professionals. Engineers from Siemens visited the students to discuss STEM career paths. A highlight was a trip to the Delta Flight Museum near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Participants learned about aviation history and toured the museum’s hangars. Students at all the campuses participated in the sparking solutions __ group activity __.__ Each team of students identifies an engineering problem and a possible solution. Problems included ways to increase mobility for the elderly to improving the water quality in a park. Using an engineering design process, teams of participants developed a design and prototype of their solution. They then created a presentation and pitched their solution to a team of volunteer judges from the IEEE Educational Activities preuniversity education coordinating committee. The members provided guidance to the young engineers and scored the projects based on the perceived demand for the final product or service, the students’ passion for their project, the design, and the style and effectiveness of their presentation. The top team received a prize. ## IEEE technical societies and other donors A critical component of the Summer Institute is offering scholarships to attend the program through the Educational Activities Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation. IEEE societies and councils that provided funding for 45 students include the Computational Intelligence, Computer, Electronics Packaging, Industry Applications, Oceanic Engineering, Photonics, Power & Energy, Power Electronics, Robotics and Automation, Signal Processing, and Solid-State Circuits societies. Their support enabled more students to attend the program and strengthened IEEE’s role in shaping future innovators and leaders. “Before I attended the summer camp, I was not sure if I was cut out to be an engineer,” one scholarship recipient said. “But after my wonderful experience at the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, I am sure that this will be the right career path for me.” Another recipient said, “Now that I have experienced all of the disciplines of engineering, I am better educated in the field as a whole. I have all of the information I need to choose a specific field to have a career in. “To the people who funded my scholarship, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The only reason that I was able to experience a great city in California and become more independent while staying in college dorms is because of you.”

The IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, one student participant says, “allowed me to gain new experiences and understand the different types of engineering disciplines, and make many great friends and memories that will remain with me.” Administered by IEEE Educational Activities, the institute is a nine-day summer sleepaway camp for students ages 13 to 17. It provides a fun, immersive approach to learning. Students engage in hands-on activities, speak with engineers, and take field trips to learn about real-world problems and solutions. ### Participating Universities Columbia, New York City Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Rice University, Houston University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University of San Diego Launched in 2018, the Summer Institute is held annually at a number of U.S. universities. The program this year was held on five campuses: the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia; Rice University, in Houston; the University of San Diego; the Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta; and Columbia, the newest location, organized in partnership with the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC). In its inaugural year, more than 80 students participated. This year 311 attended. Students explored trending technologies including artificial intelligence and microcontrollers. They also took a deep dive into ethical issues facing engineers, what to expect when pursuing higher education, and what STEM careers look like. Here is an overview of the events that took place at each location. ## University of Pennsylvania The Penn campus provided students with several historical and cultural experiences. Participants visited the Franklin Institute, where an IEEE volunteer explained some of the technologies on display at the science center. A speaker from the Philadelphia International Airport shared what engineers are doing to keep one of the busiest U.S. airports running smoothly. Engineers from Salesforce described the importance of creative problem-solving and the expanding use of technology across different industries. The company provides cloud-based software. “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering.” **—Summer Institute participant** The students also attended several hands-on sessions about different technologies and engineering fields. “I enjoyed the microcontroller lessons the most,” one participant said, “because I was able to combine my computer programming skills with my friend’s electrical skills to create something I wouldn’t have been able to make on my own. “This program is an opportunity to explore the different branches of engineering.” ## Rice University Students at Rice met with faculty members and designed solutions to several engineering challenges, such as creating and testing bridge designs and gliders. In the bridge challenge, students built a structure from balsa wood and glue, then tested its strength by adding weight until it failed. The glider challenge showed students how to build and test aircraft designs. “I enjoyed the challenges because they were interesting and competitive, helping us develop more critical thinking and teamwork skills,” one student said. Another said working with a team and building things “was a cool experience, even if we failed.” Highlights for many students were visits from Salesforce and BP engineers, who talked about the importance of having an engineering mindset, no matter the industry. Students spent a day visiting NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In addition to a guided behind-the-scenes tour, they got to meet former astronauts, who explained the engineering design of their rockets and gave career advice. ## University of San Diego Students at USD built gliders and tested their designs. They also worked in teams to determine a solution to the __toxic popcorn challenge, which involved designing a product and process to safely remove harmful kernels. The students also toured Qualcomm’s headquarters. “TryEngineering is a fantastic place to learn about all facets of engineering,” one participant said, calling the program “an invaluable resource, especially for students who don’t have access to engineering classes or a robotics team at their school.” ## Columbia University The camp held in New York City offered students the opportunity to participate in leadership sessions in addition to hands-on activities, thanks to the NSLC partnership. Students visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst in New Jersey. Members of the U.S. Air Force and Marines introduced the students to state-of-the-art technology used for rescue missions. The participants explored helicopters and flew drones during their visit. They also had the opportunity to explore the American Museum of Natural History and Times Square in Manhattan. “I loved the program, the campus, the staff, my classmates, and the activities,” one student said. ## Georgia Institute of Technology Thanks to support from Georgia Tech’s Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, the Georgia Space Grant Consortium, IEEE Technical Activities, and industry partners, 20 Georgia high school students were able to participate in the TryEngineering Summer Institute at no cost. The students stayed on Georgia Tech’s campus, attended classes in the Guggenheim aerospace engineering labs, and participated in residential life activities each evening. Students were challenged to design, build, and test a robotic boat capable of delivering humanitarian aid packages (simulated by plastic balls). Georgia Tech students and faculty members served as mentors throughout the process and helped the students build the boats. TryEngineering participants were taught how to think critically and solve problems. They also learned how to work with an Arduino. Summer Institute students at Georgia Tech, in Atlanta, get ready to test their robotic boat designs in a hands-on engineering challenge.Georgia Space Grant Consortium Students presented their prototype boats to parents and faculty members, explained how they solved problems, and discussed the challenges they faced along the way. When students were not working on their boat, they participated in team-building exercises and other educational activities. They also visited Accenture’s offices near the campus and met with industry professionals. Engineers from Siemens visited the students to discuss STEM career paths. A highlight was a trip to the Delta Flight Museum near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Participants learned about aviation history and toured the museum’s hangars. Students at all the campuses participated in the sparking solutions __ group activity __.__ Each team of students identifies an engineering problem and a possible solution. Problems included ways to increase mobility for the elderly to improving the water quality in a park. Using an engineering design process, teams of participants developed a design and prototype of their solution. They then created a presentation and pitched their solution to a team of volunteer judges from the IEEE Educational Activities preuniversity education coordinating committee. The members provided guidance to the young engineers and scored the projects based on the perceived demand for the final product or service, the students’ passion for their project, the design, and the style and effectiveness of their presentation. The top team received a prize. ## IEEE technical societies and other donors A critical component of the Summer Institute is offering scholarships to attend the program through the Educational Activities Scholarship Fund of the IEEE Foundation. IEEE societies and councils that provided funding for 45 students include the Computational Intelligence, Computer, Electronics Packaging, Industry Applications, Oceanic Engineering, Photonics, Power & Energy, Power Electronics, Robotics and Automation, Signal Processing, and Solid-State Circuits societies. Their support enabled more students to attend the program and strengthened IEEE’s role in shaping future innovators and leaders. “Before I attended the summer camp, I was not sure if I was cut out to be an engineer,” one scholarship recipient said. “But after my wonderful experience at the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute, I am sure that this will be the right career path for me.” Another recipient said, “Now that I have experienced all of the disciplines of engineering, I am better educated in the field as a whole. I have all of the information I need to choose a specific field to have a career in. “To the people who funded my scholarship, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The only reason that I was able to experience a great city in California and become more independent while staying in college dorms is because of you.”

As the home for IEEE’s preuniversity resources, activities, and hands-on experiences, TryEngineering serves as a hub for educators, parents, and IEEE volunteers to teach school-age children about engineering. With support from IEEE partners, TryEngineering has launched a series of e-books. Bolstered by input from IEEE members who are experts in their field, the e-books use open-source, free materials written to teach complex engineering topics in an age-appropriate way. Visually appealing, the books use colorful charts and graphs to grab children’s attention. Each of the five English-language publications provides an overview of a technology or topic. The books include stories about engineers, technologists, and early pioneers. ## Engineering disciplines, solutions, and ethics __Engineers Make the World a Better Place__ was created with funding from the IEEE New Initiatives Committee. The book introduces students to engineering disciplines and explains how engineers improve society by solving challenging problems, such as improving access for children with limited physical mobility. With support from Onsemi’s Giving Now program, IEEE semiconductor experts wrote __Microchip Adventures: A Journey Into the World of Semiconductors__. It includes an introduction to the field, a list of commonly used terms, an explanation of how chips are made, and an overview of the technology’s history. Bolstered by input from IEEE members who are experts in their field, the e-books use open-source, free materials written to teach complex engineering topics in an age-appropriate way. _Wave Wonders: A Signal Processing Journey_ was written with experts from the IEEE Signal Processing Society. It teaches students how to tell the difference between digital and analog signals. The e-book introduces readers to the inventor of the telegraph, Samuel Morse. Also included is the Electric Messages lesson plan, which explains how early telegraphs worked. __Ocean Engineering Heroes: Making the Oceans and the World a Better Place__ was created in partnership with the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society. It includes video interviews with several society leaders about oceans and ways to help keep them clean. It also discusses the impact of pollution including sound pollution from ships and other sources. Included are links to resources from other organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. __AI Adventures: Exploring the World of Artificial Intelligence__ was written with assistance from the IEEE Computer Society. The publication describes how AI models work and explains commonly used terms including __machine learning__ and __neural networks__. The book covers the importance of ethics when using AI. Visit the TryEngineering website for the e-books and many other resources for educators, parents, and volunteers. To help expand the site’s pool of offerings, consider donating to the IEEE TryEngineering Fund.

IEEE TryEngineering, a program within Educational Activities, fosters outreach to school-age children worldwide by equipping teachers and IEEE volunteers with tools for engaging activities. The science, technology, engineering, and math resources include peer-reviewed lesson plans, games, and activities that are designed to captivate and inspire—all provided at no cost. The TryEngineering STEM grant program provides financial support to IEEE volunteers to start, sustain, or scale up selected outreach projects in their communities. Since its inception in 2021, 144 projects have been funded, totaling more than US $176,000. At least 1,000 IEEE volunteers have led programs, engaging with more than 19,000 students. Last year the grant program awarded more than $70,379 to 58 volunteer-led projects, and 462 applications from nine IEEE regions were received. IEEE members involved in preuniversity outreach programs, including STEM Champions and members of the preuniversity education coordinating committee, reviewed the submissions using a criteria-based rubric. The full list of funded projects can be found here. What follows is a sampling. ## Eight donor-supported projects STEM Education Workshop 2024: Introducing the Internet of Things to High School Students, funded by the Taenzer Memorial Fund with support from the IEEE Foundation, featured a hands-on activity that provided an introduction to the IoT, programming, and basic microcontroller concepts. Forty high school and vocational school students and nine teachers from the Itenas Bandung electrical engineering study program in Indonesia attended. Twelve IEEE volunteers facilitated the program. Through experimentation with microelectronics, students were able to be creative, spurring increased interest and a desire to further explore technology. The Taenzer Fund subsidized seven additional proposals to support engineering in developing countries. They totaled $10,000 and reached more than 300 students. The programs included: * **Exploring the Future: An IEEE STEM Industry Tour in Indonesia.** This event in Jakarta engaged 20 students with hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and visits to cutting-edge facilities involved with 5G, AI, and ocean engineering. * **IEEE STEM Empowerment: Student Workshop Series.** In these workshops, also held in Indonesia, 20 students tackled hands-on projects in communications technology, AI, and ocean engineering. * **IEEE STEM Teacher Workshop: Empowering Educators for Future Innovators.** Fifty participants attended the event in Sukabumi, Indonesia. It offered hands-on sessions on pedagogy, cutting-edge technologies, and ways to increase gender inclusivity. * **IEEE Women in Engineering Day.** A three-day session in Kenya included STEM competitions, interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and hands-on activities to empower young women. * **WIE Impact.** A series of workshops and events held in Zaghouan, Tunisia, engaged 160 students with activities in coding, cybersecurity, robotics, space exploration, sustainability, and first aid. * **Exploring Sustainable Futures: Empowering Students With IoT-driven Aquaponics Systems for STEM Enthusiasts.** This hands-on program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taught 28 students about coding basics, real-time system monitoring, and IoT-driven aquaponics systems. Aquaponics, a food-production method, combines aquaculture with hydroponics. * **Development of a Game—Multiplayer Kuis (Gamukis)—for Students of Senior High School 1 Cangkringan in Increasing Learning Enthusiasm.** Held at Amikom University, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this program taught 150 students how to design educational video games. Students who participated in the program held at the Atal Tinkering Lab in Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh, learned about the fundamentals of Internet of Things and its applications. Atal Tinkering Lab Program Team ## IEEE society-sponsored programs The generous support from the Taenzer Fund was supplemented by financial assistance from IEEE groups including the Communications, Oceanic Engineering, and Signal Processing societies, as well as IEEE Women in Engineering. The IEEE Signal Processing Society funded three projects including Train the STEM Trainers in Secondary Schools-Multiplier Effect STEM Outreach. The “train the trainers” program involved 350 students and 10 parents, more than 80 teachers, and 30 volunteers. The teachers were trained in robotics and coding using mBlock and Python. The students got experience with calculators, digital counters, LED displays, robotic cars, smart dustbins, and more. ## A focus on Internet of Things Another notable project was the ConnectXperience: The Journey into the World of IoT. Held at the Atal Tinkering Lab in Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh, India, this program engaged more than 400 students who learned about IoT fundamentals, robotics, programming, electronics, data analytics, networking, cybersecurity, and other innovative applications of IoT. ## 2025 grants TryEngineering recently announced its 2025 STEM grant recipients. Out of more than 410 applications received, funding was awarded to 58 programs from nine sections, for a total of $70,379. The list of recipients can be found here. To contribute to the program, visit the TryEngineering Fund donation page.

IEEE TryEngineering, a program within Educational Activities, fosters outreach to school-age children worldwide by equipping teachers and IEEE volunteers with tools for engaging activities. The science, technology, engineering, and math resources include peer-reviewed lesson plans, games, and activities that are designed to captivate and inspire—all provided at no cost. The TryEngineering STEM grant program provides financial support to IEEE volunteers to start, sustain, or scale up selected outreach projects in their communities. Since its inception in 2021, 144 projects have been funded, totaling more than US $176,000. At least 1,000 IEEE volunteers have led programs, engaging with more than 19,000 students. Last year the grant program awarded more than $70,379 to 58 volunteer-led projects, and 462 applications from nine IEEE regions were received. IEEE members involved in preuniversity outreach programs, including STEM Champions and members of the preuniversity education coordinating committee, reviewed the submissions using a criteria-based rubric. The full list of funded projects can be found here. What follows is a sampling. ## Eight donor-supported projects STEM Education Workshop 2024: Introducing the Internet of Things to High School Students, funded by the Taenzer Memorial Fund with support from the IEEE Foundation, featured a hands-on activity that provided an introduction to the IoT, programming, and basic microcontroller concepts. Forty high school and vocational school students and nine teachers from the Itenas Bandung electrical engineering study program in Indonesia attended. Twelve IEEE volunteers facilitated the program. Through experimentation with microelectronics, students were able to be creative, spurring increased interest and a desire to further explore technology. The Taenzer Fund subsidized seven additional proposals to support engineering in developing countries. They totaled $10,000 and reached more than 300 students. The programs included: * **Exploring the Future: An IEEE STEM Industry Tour in Indonesia.** This event in Jakarta engaged 20 students with hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and visits to cutting-edge facilities involved with 5G, AI, and ocean engineering. * **IEEE STEM Empowerment: Student Workshop Series.** In these workshops, also held in Indonesia, 20 students tackled hands-on projects in communications technology, AI, and ocean engineering. * **IEEE STEM Teacher Workshop: Empowering Educators for Future Innovators.** Fifty participants attended the event in Sukabumi, Indonesia. It offered hands-on sessions on pedagogy, cutting-edge technologies, and ways to increase gender inclusivity. * **IEEE Women in Engineering Day.** A three-day session in Kenya included STEM competitions, interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and hands-on activities to empower young women. * **WIE Impact.** A series of workshops and events held in Zaghouan, Tunisia, engaged 160 students with activities in coding, cybersecurity, robotics, space exploration, sustainability, and first aid. * **Exploring Sustainable Futures: Empowering Students With IoT-driven Aquaponics Systems for STEM Enthusiasts.** This hands-on program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, taught 28 students about coding basics, real-time system monitoring, and IoT-driven aquaponics systems. Aquaponics, a food-production method, combines aquaculture with hydroponics. * **Development of a Game—Multiplayer Kuis (Gamukis)—for Students of Senior High School 1 Cangkringan in Increasing Learning Enthusiasm.** Held at Amikom University, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this program taught 150 students how to design educational video games. Students who participated in the program held at the Atal Tinkering Lab in Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh, learned about the fundamentals of Internet of Things and its applications. Atal Tinkering Lab Program Team ## IEEE society-sponsored programs The generous support from the Taenzer Fund was supplemented by financial assistance from IEEE groups including the Communications, Oceanic Engineering, and Signal Processing societies, as well as IEEE Women in Engineering. The IEEE Signal Processing Society funded three projects including Train the STEM Trainers in Secondary Schools-Multiplier Effect STEM Outreach. The “train the trainers” program involved 350 students and 10 parents, more than 80 teachers, and 30 volunteers. The teachers were trained in robotics and coding using mBlock and Python. The students got experience with calculators, digital counters, LED displays, robotic cars, smart dustbins, and more. ## A focus on Internet of Things Another notable project was the ConnectXperience: The Journey into the World of IoT. Held at the Atal Tinkering Lab in Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh, India, this program engaged more than 400 students who learned about IoT fundamentals, robotics, programming, electronics, data analytics, networking, cybersecurity, and other innovative applications of IoT. ## 2025 grants TryEngineering recently announced its 2025 STEM grant recipients. Out of more than 410 applications received, funding was awarded to 58 programs from nine sections, for a total of $70,379. The list of recipients can be found here. To contribute to the program, visit the TryEngineering Fund donation page.

TryEngineering Inspires the Engineers of Tomorrow . TryEngineering aims to empower educators to foster the next generation of technology innovators. We provide educators and students with resources, l...