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    Introduction to Engineering with Arduino: Electronics and Programming
    In-person Program

    Introduction to Engineering with Arduino: Electronics and Programming

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Explore engineering through Arduino circuits, sensors and programming. Brown’s practical course connects computer science with electronics and projects you can take home.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Introduction to Engineering at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $3,748; $3,096

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    EngineeringComputer ScienceTechnology
    Accommodation: University residence halls
    Meals: Residential: 3 daily; commuter: 1 daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital CeCertificate of Completion
    Campus experience: Workshops, activities and excursions
    Instructor: Joseph Yarmac
    Sessions / cadence: 5 × 2h50m; Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. ET
    Independent work: 2-3 hours daily

    Introduction to Engineering summary

    Brown’s Arduino course connects programming with physical electronics, using sensors, motors and actuators to explore how technology works.

    Students design and program their own circuits, with the opportunity to take their creations home. The practical focus suits students who want to see code produce a physical response.

    The wider Summer@Brown experience combines academic work with campus workshops and activities, while expecting students to manage their own study time.

    What is Introduction to Engineering with Arduino: Electronics and Programming?

    Introduction to Engineering with Arduino: Electronics and Programming is a Brown University Pre-College course exploring how code and circuits work together. Students study electrical theory, programming syntax and signals from sensors, then use Arduino components to develop their own ideas.

    The course takes place on Brown’s campus within Summer@Brown, with laboratory and project-based work at its center. Students can take home the circuits they design, while the wider campus experience offers workshops, activities and opportunities to practice independent study.

    Why Succeed highlights Introduction to Engineering

    • Connecting sensor inputs with motors and actuators makes the relationship between software and hardware concrete.

    • Personal circuit projects give students something tangible to revisit after the course.

    • The curriculum brings electrical theory, programming and microprocessors together in an introductory setting.

    • Campus activities and independent study expectations let students test how they handle a college-style learning environment.

    Who is Introduction to Engineering for?

    Best for

    Students curious about both coding and physical electronics who want to build circuits and explore how sensors control real-world outputs.

    Not ideal if

    You want advanced engineering specialization, college credit or a lightly scheduled campus experience with little independent work.

    Is Introduction to Engineering worth it?

    This is a useful option if you want to discover whether building and programming electronics holds your interest. Designing circuits gives you a concrete experience to reflect on, and the campus setting adds a chance to practice managing academic and social commitments.

    The short course is an introduction, so its value rests on exploration rather than advanced mastery. It carries a substantial fee and awards no college credit; Brown also says Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,748; $3,096; includes One week of on-campus course instruction., Residential option: residence hall housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one dining-hall meal daily., Access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate of Completion after successful completion..

    Accommodation

    University residence halls

    Meals

    Residential: 3 daily; commuter: 1 daily

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Introduction to Engineering need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high for a short introductory course.

    Best started

    Allow 4-6 weeks before a future application deadline for the essay, grades and any English test, then prepare your laptop and packing at least two weeks before your section starts.

    Main challenge

    Learning programming and circuitry while managing an intensive daily workload.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft an original 250-500-word application essay and gather both academic years of grades.

    • Confirm that your laptop can install course software; do not assume a Chromebook will work.

    • Pack closed-toe shoes, long pants and suitable shirts for laboratory work.

    • Agree on a family communication plan and arrange travel independently.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in engineering through practical construction.

    What do students do on Introduction to Engineering?

    You explore how Arduino programming and electrical components combine to create technology. The learning moves toward designing circuits and projects shaped by your own interests.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Build an understanding of basic electrical theory and programming syntax.

    2. 2

      Explore input signals from sensors and outputs such as motors and actuators.

    3. 3

      Apply these ideas to programming and designing your own circuits.

    4. 4

      Develop imaginative projects using Arduino and its components.

    5. 5

      Take your circuits home at the end of the course.

    Introduction to Engineering dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College deadline for the 2026 cycle.

    Reference date

    Introduction to Engineering with Arduino: Electronics and Programming — Section 10097

    6-10 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. ET; instructor Joseph Yarmac.

    Reference date

    Introduction to Engineering with Arduino: Electronics and Programming — Section 10096

    13-17 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. ET; instructor Joseph Yarmac.

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College's 2026 application cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Final decisions for the 2026 application cycle.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Complete grades 9-12 for the verified Summer@Brown cycle.

    • Be 14-18 by 14 June 2026 for that cycle.

    • Gain Brown Pre-College admission before enrolling in the course.

    • Have strong English proficiency.

    • Bring a laptop capable of installing the required software.

    • Follow the laboratory/project attire rules.

    • Previous programming or electronics experience is not required.

    • Attend every scheduled class.

    How much does Introduction to Engineering cost?

    Residential program fee

    $3,748 — One-week residential option.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $3,096 — One-week commuter option.
    • Course supplement: $150 — Additional course-specific charge for either section.
    • Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; fee waivers have separate eligibility.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required after admission; normally nonrefundable.
    • Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without adequate coverage.
    • Scholarships: Sibley; PPSD — Separate applications and eligibility requirements apply.

    What's included

    One week of on-campus course instruction., Residential option: residence hall housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one dining-hall meal daily., Access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Digital CeCertificate of Completion after successful completion.

    How to apply to Introduction to Engineering

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account through Brown’s official Pre-College application destination.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and write an original 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.

    4. 4

      Pay the $80 application fee or request a waiver if eligible.

    5. 5

      Provide English proficiency results and any additional materials required for your application.

    6. 6

      Monitor your student portal for missing-material requests and the admission decision.

    7. 7

      After admission, confirm course suitability, pay the $500 deposit and separately enroll in your chosen section.

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    What does Introduction to Engineering cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Electrical theory

    Study the basic electrical ideas behind electronic circuits.

    Programming foundations

    Learn programming syntax and semantics through Arduino-based work.

    Sensors and outputs

    Explore sensor signals and outputs such as motors and actuators.

    Microprocessors and projects

    Design personal technology projects while exploring microprocessors and their applications.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Introduction to Engineering?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course classes

    Classes meet from 8:30 to 11:20 a.m. ET.

    Independent work

    Summer@Brown expects at least 2-3 hours of homework each day.

    Campus activities

    Students can choose workshops, activities and excursions around their academic work.

    Residential check in

    Residential students check in face to face at 10 p.m. ET and remain on their floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Introduction to Engineering?

    Joseph Yarmac is the instructor named for both course sections. Summer@Brown instructors offer office hours where students can discuss course content, assignments and questions.

    Where do students stay on Introduction to Engineering?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Single, double or triple rooms include college furniture, wireless internet and air conditioning.
    • Three meals daily: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown’s all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff and resident assistants provide support, nightly check-ins and 24/7 on-call assistance.
    • Campus activities: Program activities, excursions and fitness-center access are included.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter option: Students attend classes and campus activities without an overnight room assignment.
    • One meal daily: The commuter fee includes one dining-hall meal each day.
    • Campus and transit access: Commuters can use libraries, campus study spaces and free RIPTA transportation with their Brown ID.

    Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required commitments and curfew; residential support does not mean continuous supervision.

    What happens after Introduction to Engineering?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Take home circuits you designed and programmed.

    Build foundations for further electronics and microprocessor study.

    Develop confidence connecting programming with physical systems.

    Earn a digital CeCertificate of Completion through successful participation.

    Practice independent study and campus-life responsibilities.

    The course is non-credit and does not award a university transcript or a Course Performance Report.

    Where does Introduction to Engineering take place?

    The course takes place at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Residential check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and families arrange their own transportation to and from campus.

    Residential check-in is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET on the Sunday before the course begins.

    Introduction to Engineering FAQs

    No. The course introduces basic programming and electronic circuitry; previous experience can help but is not required.

    Bring a laptop that can download the software required for programming. Brown warns that some devices, including Chromebooks, cannot accommodate this course.

    You will program and design circuits using Arduino, sensors and outputs such as motors or actuators. You can take your circuits home after the course.

    No. Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not produce a university transcript.

    Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion. Course Performance Reports are reserved for longer courses, so this one-week course does not qualify.

    Yes. The commuter option includes one dining-hall meal each day and access to campus resources and activities, without overnight housing.

    Trained student life staff and resident assistants support students, with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7. Students also have substantial independence outside required activities and curfew.

    No. Brown Pre-College admission and course enrollment are separate steps, and admission does not guarantee a seat in a particular course.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Laboratory/Project Attire
    • 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
    • Introduction to Engineering with Arduino: Electronics and Programming - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course content reviewed

    • Section dates checked

    • Fee tiers compared

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Housing and meals verified

    • Certificate terms reviewed

    • Safety policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.