Events, camps and programs

Each year, the KU School of Engineering hosts several events, camps and programs that let students of all ages and their teachers explore the possibilities of engineering.

Whether you're trying to find out if engineering is a good career choice for you, or if you want to get a taste for life at KU, there's a KU Engineering event or camp for you.

Events

SWE Weekend of Engineering

The KU Society of Women Engineers Weekend of Engineering is an opportunity for high school women to experience the University of Kansas campus in a way that most prospective students don't. The weekend program is packed with engineering activities and information sessions as well as fun college events such as a KU football or women's basketball game. The SWE Weekend of Engineering is geared toward juniors and seniors and takes place in both the fall and spring semester.

Cost is $95.

To learn more, contact Lindsey McCaig, coordinator of Women’s Programs for the School of Engineering, or (785) 864-2989.

Engineering Expo

Engineering Expo is a free two-day, student-run event that lets visitors explore the fascinating fields of engineering and demonstrate the amazing projects KU engineering students have completed. Held in conjunction with National Engineers Week, Expo takes place on the last Friday and Saturday in February at KU's Engineering Complex.

There are cool, hands-on displays and engineering contests for visitors. Usually between 1,000 and 2,000 visitors — mostly students in fifth through 12th grade — from throughout the state and the Kansas City metropolitan area attend. All ages are welcome.

This event is free.

Visit the Engineering Student Council website, www.kuesc.engr.ku.edu to learn more, or to register for one of the contests.

Tea & Technology

Tea & Technology is a half-day program in March that lets sixth-grade girls and boys and their parents learn about the fun of engineering and computer science. Students will get to meet KU students and learn about several engineering disciplines. Online registration will be available at a later date.

Cost is $25.

To learn more, contact Florence Boldridge, director of Diversity & Women’s Programs for the School of Engineering, fboldridge@ku.edu, or (785) 864-3620.

Eureka Weekend

Eureka Weekend is a day of discovery for boys and girls in seventh and eighth grade. Coordinated by the KU chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, this April event gives students a hands-on opportunity to discover the coolness of engineering and computer science. Participants will leave with a T-shirt and great project ideas to try at home. Online registration will be available at a later date.

Cost is $25.

To learn more, contact Florence Boldridge, director of Diversity & Women’s Programs for the School of Engineering, fboldridge@ku.edu, or (785) 864-3620.

Exponent

An exclusive two-day look at engineering and computer science and the career potential they offer for high school juniors and seniors. This interactive camp focuses on minority men and women and brings these students on the KU campus for fun activities and a chance to meet KU Engineering faculty and students. Students get an up-close look at KU life. Online registration will be available at a later date.

Cost is $25.

To learn more, contact Florence Boldridge, director of Diversity & Women’s Programs for the School of Engineering, fboldridge@ku.edu, or (785) 864-3620.

Personalized Visit

High school seniors and juniors don't have to wait for a Senior Day to see what KU and the School of Engineering have to offer. Seniors are encouraged to schedule a personalized campus visit that fits into their schedule — even during the summer — and satisfies their curiosity. We will help visitors meet with faculty and students in their desired major, give a tour of School of Engineering facilities and let the visitor explore campus. Contact our recruitment staff at (785) 864-3881 to schedule a visit.

Engineering Senior Day

Senior Days are one-day events in the fall sponsored by the KU Office of Admissions and Scholarships that focus on academic programs and majors. Students attending the Engineering Senior Day learn about admission requirements for the School of Engineering, scholarship opportunities, engineering degree programs, the KU campus and housing options.

Senior Days cost $15. Students can sign up at the KU Admissions website www.admissions.ku.edu.

High School Design Competition

The annual High School Design Competition is a KU School of Engineering sponsored competition late in the fall semester that tests high school students' creativity, teamwork skills, as well as their technical knowledge and ability. Each year features a new engineering design challenge as dreamed up by students in the Self Engineering Leadership Fellows Program. Working in small teams at their hometowns, high school students design, build and test a project that addresses the design criteria. On the day of the competition teams arrive at KU prepared for a head-to-head competition to see whose device performs best.

There is no fee, however teams must register in advance. To ensure a more level playing field the challenge is announced after the start of the fall semester.

For more information, contact the Dean's Office staff, or (785) 864-3881.

Here are the highligts from the 2011 High School Design Competition, which offered students the opportunities to take part in two competitions: Rock, Hop, Jayhawk and Lego Mindstorm.

Summer Camps

Summer Engineering Camp - Project Discovery

Summer Engineering Camp - Project Discovery is a weeklong, intensive learning camp for high school students entering the ninth through 12th grades. Two sessions are offered, one in June and the second in July. Campers choose from different engineering disciplines and work closely with KU faculty and graduate students as they complete a hands-on project. The camp lets students explore the different engineering disciplines and campers also get an up-close view of KU and engineering facilities. Students get to see how engineering and computer science play an essential role in improving the human condition.

This outstanding engineering summer camp costs $500 and covers housing, meals and laboratory materials. Enrollment for the 2012 summer camps will go live during the spring semester. Download the brochure now to get more details about the KU Summer Engineering Camp experience. You can also learn more by contacting our recruiting staff, or call (785) 864-3622.

Middle School Day Camp

For Teachers

KUTI

KUTI, the KU Technology Institute, is a two-day, one-night event for high school science and math teachers and counselors that will inform and inspire. Participants will learn more about engineering as they pick up methods to help high-ability students get interested in engineering. Participants also get an up-close view of KU and engineering facilities and current research.

KUTI is scheduled on a Friday and Saturday during the fall semester. Check the calendar at the top of the page for this year's dates.

To learn more about KUTI, please contact recruiting staff, or call (785) 864-3622. To register for this year's event, fill out our online registration form.

High School Design Competition

Don't forget our annual High School Design Competition. This KU School of Engineering sponsored competition in the fall semester lets your high school students explore their creativity and build teamwork skills, as well as their technical knowledge and ability. Each year features a new engineering design challenge dreamed up by students in the Self Engineering Leadership Fellows Program. Working in small teams at their hometowns, high school students design, build and test a project that addresses the design criteria. On the day of the competition, teams arrive at KU prepared for a fun and thrilling head-to-head competition to see whose device performs best.

There is no fee, however teams must register in advance. To ensure a more level playing field the challenge is announced shortly after the start of the fall semester.

For more information, contact the Dean's Office staff, or (785) 864-3881.