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Engineering Summer Program
Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a six-week residential program for students who will be high school juniors or seniors in the upcoming school year. The ESP course curriculum includes math, engineering, science, and technical communications. Other structured programming such as industry site visits, cultural enrichment activities, and faculty mentoring will help you gain a better understanding of the field of engineering and its disciplines.
JOIN US IN SUMMER 2013.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. SELECTED STUDENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY U.S. MAIL. THANK YOU FOR APPLYING!
Participants
The ESP Program is targeted to high school students from groups traditionally under-represented in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field. African-American, Native American, Latino/a, Laotian, Vietnamese, Hmong, and Cambodian students are especially encouraged to apply, as are women from all backgrounds.
Requirements
To take part in ESP you must have a strong interest in math and engineering; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; be entering your junior or senior year for the upcoming school year; have completed at least one year of algebra, geometry, and chemistry by June of the program year; and have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Benefit
ESP is designed to focus on academic enrichment related to math, science, and engineering; provide an orientation to the UW-Madison environment and collegiate experience; and demonstrate the importance of early preparation for the college-bound student. Participants will interact with UW faculty/staff, students, program alumni and other talented peers who share the same interest in mathematics, science and engineering.
Housing and Meals
Housing and meals are included as part of the program. While attending ESP, participants will reside in University Housing. Lodging will be in Dejope Hall — a University Housing residence hall conveniently located on campus. To foster a real sense of community, you will share a room with another program participant. Each air-conditioned room includes twin beds with bed linens and pillows, minifridges, desks, Internet and cable television connections (via personal laptop) and shared bathroom facilities. Floor lounges include televisions, comfortable seating, and an attached kitchenette. There will be no telephones in individual rooms; therefore, students are encouraged to bring a cell phone. Laundry and vending machines are located on the main floor of Dejope Hall. Meals will be served three times per day, seven days a week in the Four Lakes Market, located in Dejope Hall and will provide a variety of youth-friendly and healthy selections, including vegetarian options.
Supervision
Participants will be supervised by camp counselor staff. Current undergraduate students are hired and trained to provide supervision daily programming — including weekends. The counselors live in University Housing on the same floor as participants.
Curriculum
- Introduction to Engineering — Discover the various engineering disciplines through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
- Mathematics — Take a placement test to determine the right math course for you.
- Pre-Calculus — Increase your proficiency in algebra to prepare for college-level calculus.
- Calculus — Focus on both conceptual and the computational aspects of calculus.
- Chemistry — Gain an introduction to college-level chemistry, including the use of math as an integral tool.
- Physics — Learn the basic principles of physics as they apply to engineering.
- Technical Communications — Improve your skills in writing, public speaking, and visually presenting technical information.
- Industrial Site Visits — See real engineers in action at Rockwell Automation, Abbott, GE Healthcare and other area businesses.
Weekends are full of fun activities and exploration of campus and beyond.
Intro to Engineering Final Presentations
Each group was given a task to either design a mechanism to change a light bulb for someone restricted to a wheelchair, to design a product for someone with arthritis to use while in the kitchen, while opening a pill bottle, or while using any common tool or writing utensil.
We have selected clips from each group to take you through their Design Process and Final Products. Enjoy!
- WACAJE Inc. - "Problem Statement, Background and Brainstorming"
- Synergy Corp. - "Design Process and Design Ideas"
- Incorporated Design - "Final Design"
- eCo - "Product in Action, Improvements and Evaluation Process"
Our students enjoying some outdoor activities and team building exercises with Adventure Learning Programs (ALPS).
How To Apply
With the employment outlook for engineers brighter than ever, this is an exciting time to consider a career in engineering. The UW-Madison Engineering Summer Program (ESP) can help you explore career options, prepare you for the rigors of college, and develop strong skills in math and science. Best of all, you will experience first-hand what it is like to be an engineering student at UW-Madison. All costs are covered by the program; $500 stipend awarded upon successful completion. Dates are June 22nd - Aug 2nd, 2013.
Important Dates
The deadline to apply is Friday, April 5, 2013.
Application checklist:
- Completed application form
- Personal essay
- Official transcript
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a math teacher and one from a science teacher
- Non-refundable $30 application fee. Please make the check out to "Engineering Summer Program" and write "Application Fee" in the memo section. PLEASE NOTE: The application fee may be waived if your family is eligible for free or reduced price lunch and in other special circumstances. Please contact us if you would like to request an application fee waiver.
Help support ESP
We’re looking for corporate sponsors for future programs. Please ask us about our information packet.
