First wave deadline
22 February 2026
The application fee increased after this point.
In-person Program
Engineering: A Project Based Introduction
A hands-on engineering course where students apply physics, math and systems thinking to design, build and deploy a SeaPerch aquatic robot.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
In-person Program
Engineering: A Project Based Introduction
A hands-on engineering course where students apply physics, math and systems thinking to design, build and deploy a SeaPerch aquatic robot.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
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Project Based Engineering at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Recently closed
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA
Age range / Year group
14-18 / Grades 9-12
Location / Region
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost
$6,798 residential; $3,498 commuter
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In person
EngineeringMathematicsTechnology
Accommodation: Residential and commuter options
Meals: All meals residential; lunch commuter
Latest verified cycle: Summer 2026
Sessions / cadence: 9 x 3-hour weekday classes
Main output: SeaPerch aquatic robot
Faculty: MIT lecturers and engineers
Project Based Engineering summary
Project Based Engineering introduces core engineering ideas through practical design, building and testing rather than lecture-only study.
Smaller activities connect into a cumulative SeaPerch aquatic-robot project covering fluid systems, structures, controls, electrical power and systems thinking.
It suits students exploring engineering for the first time as well as more experienced high school students ready to make more complex project decisions.
What is Engineering: A Project Based Introduction?
Engineering: A Project Based Introduction is a Summer Springboard academic course built around practical engineering projects. Students connect physics and mathematics with fluid propulsion, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, robotics, structural integrity, controls and electrical power systems.
The course uses smaller activities to support an integrated SeaPerch aquatic-robot project. Students also meet engineering professionals, explore career paths and take part in academic excursions that connect classroom work with the Boston-Cambridge engineering ecosystem.
Why Succeed highlights Project Based Engineering
The cumulative SeaPerch project gives students a concrete reason to connect several engineering systems.
Its no-prerequisite design makes engineering accessible without removing opportunities for more advanced project choices.
Nine three-hour classes provide substantially more practical time than a short workshop or taster session.
Published instructors bring experience spanning MIT teaching, robotics, systems engineering, software and aerospace.
Residential and commuter routes let families choose between campus immersion and daytime attendance.
Who is Project Based Engineering for?
Best for
Students who learn by making things and want to test engineering through physics, robotics, controls and systems thinking.
Not ideal if
You want a narrowly specialized course, formal academic credit or a lecture-led program with minimal practical work.
Is Project Based Engineering worth it?
Project Based Engineering can be worthwhile for students who want a sustained practical test of engineering before choosing future subjects or university pathways. The integrated robot project should provide more meaningful reflection material than a collection of disconnected activities.
The main limitation is value for money: tuition is substantial, and the course supplement and application fee sit on top of the listed tuition. Families should judge the complete campus experience, instruction and excursions together rather than treating the MIT setting as an academic credential.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$6,798 residential; $3,498 commuter; includes Residential: academic course, lodging, all meals and excursions, Residential: weekend excursions and campus activities, Commuter: academic course, lunch and excursions, Commuter: weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., College-readiness workshops and academic excursions.
Accommodation
Residential and commuter options
Meals
All meals residential; lunch commuter
Provider details
Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Project Based Engineering need?
Effort level
High and practical.
Best started
Begin four to six weeks before the next application deadline to gather forms, discuss support needs and plan tuition or travel.
Main challenge
Connecting several physical and control systems into a functioning robot.
Typical preparation
Review basic forces, buoyancy, electricity and measurement before the program.
Prepare examples of engineering problems or careers you want to ask instructors about.
Residential applicants should organize travel and required medical or guardian documents early.
Useful if
You are comfortable applying mathematics and physics through trial, testing and revision.
What do students do on Project Based Engineering?
Students progress from engineering fundamentals and smaller practical activities toward a complete aquatic-robot project, supported by professional insight and academic excursions.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore fluid propulsion, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, structures, controls and practical operations.
- 2
Apply physics and mathematics while creating and testing useful artifacts.
- 3
Connect smaller modules through an integrated systems-engineering process.
- 4
Build and deploy a SeaPerch aquatic robot.
- 5
Meet professionals and explore engineering work in real-world settings.
Project Based 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.
Reference date
Second wave deadline
19 April 2026
The application fee increased after this point.
Final admission deadline
17 May 2026
Final published deadline for the 2026 general cycle.
Session 2
5-17 July 2026
Two-week Cambridge course run.
Session 3
19-31 July 2026
Two-week Cambridge course run.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First wave deadline | 22 February 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Second wave deadline | 19 April 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission deadline | 17 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Session 2 | 5-17 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Session 3 | 19-31 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Students entering Grades 9-12
Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent
Residential students must be at least 14
International students must demonstrate English proficiency
Applicants must meet Essential Eligibility Criteria
No previous engineering experience required
How much does Project Based Engineering cost?
Program tuition
$6,798 residential; $3,498 commuter — Choose the residential or commuter route.
Funding or discounts
- Course supplement: $250 — Mandatory for this engineering course.
- Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable.
- Program deposit: $600 — Paid to reserve a place.
- Alumni scholarship: $500 — Published for eligible alumni in the 2026 cycle.
What's included
Residential: academic course, lodging, all meals and excursions, Residential: weekend excursions and campus activities, Commuter: academic course, lunch and excursions, Commuter: weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., College-readiness workshops and academic excursions
How to apply to Project Based Engineering
- 1
Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.
- 2
Confirm the verification email and complete the account details.
- 3
Choose Create New Application from the dashboard.
- 4
Select Cambridge, the preferred session, this course and a tuition type.
- 5
Complete the student information and short-answer questions with the student present.
- 6
Sign the required agreements, pay the deposit and application fee, and submit.
- 7
Monitor email for the enrollment decision and any additional required forms.
What does Project Based Engineering cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Fluid systems
Explore fluid propulsion, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics through aquatic robotics.
Structures and integrity
Consider how structural choices affect a practical engineered artifact.
Controls and power
Connect control decisions with electrical power and robot operation.
Engineering process
Use systems thinking to link smaller projects into one solution.
SeaPerch project
Build, deploy and operate a complete aquatic robot.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Project Based Engineering?
A typical day during the program.
Academic course
Students complete a three-hour engineering class in Kendall Square.
Afternoon program
Academic excursions, recreation and college-readiness activities follow lunch.
Residential evening
Dinner, clubs and evening activities lead into dorm checks.
Class cadence
Classes run Monday-Friday in week one and Monday-Thursday in week two.
Who teaches on Project Based Engineering?
Published instructors include MIT mechanical engineering lecturers and engineers with extensive experience across robotics, ocean engineering, systems engineering, software, aerospace and energy technology. The wider program also brings students into contact with professionals who discuss engineering practice and career pathways.
Instructor assignments vary by session.
Where do students stay on Project Based Engineering?
Residential plan
- MIT dormitory: Students share traditional dormitory rooms on the MIT campus.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with dietary accommodations published.
- Residential support: Staff live in the dorms and emergency support is available around the clock.
- Campus facilities: Dormitories provide Wi-Fi, laundry, lounges and water stations.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter day: Commuters receive lunch and join weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residential rooms are shared and use common bathrooms; basic linens are provided.
What happens after Project Based Engineering?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Use the SeaPerch project to reflect on practical engineering interests.
Compare robotics, mechanical, electrical and systems-engineering pathways.
Apply stronger physics and mathematics understanding in later study.
Discuss engineering roles and academic routes with working professionals.
Draw on the experience when explaining subject motivation in applications.
No academic credit, certificate or formal qualification is stated.
Where does Project Based Engineering take place?
Morning academic classes take place in Kendall Square, next to MIT in Cambridge, because the course requires a hands-on setting. Residential students stay on the MIT campus, while wider activities draw on Cambridge and Boston’s universities, technology organizations and cultural destinations.
The course is operated by Summer Springboard, not MIT.
Project Based Engineering FAQs
Students complete smaller engineering projects that culminate in building, deploying and operating a SeaPerch aquatic robot.
No. The course is designed to be accessible to freshmen while allowing seniors to choose more challenging project decisions.
The course has nine three-hour academic sessions, totaling 27 published class hours across two weeks.
Morning classes are held in Kendall Square, next to MIT in Cambridge, to support the practical course format.
Yes. Commuters join weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and receive the academic course, lunch and excursions.
Residential tuition includes the academic course, lodging, meals, excursions and weekend excursions.
No. Summer Springboard states that its programs are not run, controlled or endorsed by its campus partners.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent 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.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- 2026 HS 2-week Engineering - A Project Based Introduction V9
- Main FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- (1) New Messages!
- Summer Springboard on the campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Summer Program for HS Students
- (1) New Messages!
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- 2026 HS 2-week MIT/CAMBRIDGE V6
- Engineering a Project-Based Introduction | Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)
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