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    In-person Program

    Automotive Engineering High School Course

    by Summer Springboard

    A hands-on automotive engineering course where students design and build miniature vehicles, explore emerging mobility technology, and learn from an industry professor.

    Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Automotive Engineering High School Course

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    Automotive Engineering Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Closed

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; minimum 3.0 GPA

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

    Cost

    $5,698 residential; $2,998 commuter

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Latest deadline

    17 May 2026 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Get next-cycle reminder
    EngineeringTechnology

    Accommodation: Campus residence halls

    Meals: All meals residential; lunch commuter

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and recommendation letter

    Sessions / cadence: 9 x 3-hour classes

    Main output: Functional model and miniature vehicle

    Instructor: Experienced automotive engineering professor

    Automotive Engineering Course summary

    This practical course introduces vehicle design, development, and production through engineering challenges, simulations, laboratory visits, and collaborative projects.

    Students build a functional engine model and a miniature vehicle while applying mechanical, electrical, physics, and problem-solving concepts.

    It best suits students curious about cars, robotics, electric vehicles, sustainable transportation, or engineering careers who want a structured campus experience.

    What is Automotive Engineering High School Course?

    The Automotive Engineering High School Course is a practical pre-college experience run by Summer Springboard on the University of Michigan campus. It introduces how vehicles move from concept to production through mechanical, electrical, robotics, and physics-based perspectives.

    Students work in teams on design challenges, build a functional engine model and miniature vehicle, and explore emerging technologies through simulations and engineering-facility visits. The experience also connects classroom learning with automotive careers and wider campus life.

    Why Succeed highlights Automotive Engineering Course

    • The course centers on tangible engineering work, including a functional engine model and team-built miniature vehicle.

    • Students apply engineering and physics to stated performance goals rather than studying vehicle technology only through lectures.

    • Laboratory visits, simulations, and industry speakers connect the curriculum with robotics, electric vehicles, and digital innovation.

    • The instructor profile brings substantial automotive-industry and university teaching experience to the course.

    • Residential and commuter choices let families select the campus format that fits their needs.

    Who is Automotive Engineering Course for?

    Best for

    Students interested in vehicle design, mechanical or electrical engineering, robotics, electric vehicles, and practical team projects.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost introductory activity, a remote course, or a program with formal college credit.

    Is Automotive Engineering Course worth it?

    This course can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test automotive engineering through substantial practical work before choosing a university subject or career path. The combination of vehicle projects, specialist facilities, simulations, and professional insight gives the experience more depth than a general engineering taster.

    The limitation is cost: tuition, the mandatory course supplement, travel, and possible application or transfer fees can make it a significant family investment. It offers exploration and a useful project story, but it does not provide college credit and should complement rather than replace sustained academic study.

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

    Cost and what is included

    $5,698 residential; $2,998 commuter; includes Residential tuition includes all meals and lodging., Residential tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Residential tuition includes weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch and the academic course., Commuter tuition includes weekday excursions and programming., Need-based scholarships can reduce eligible tuition..

    Accommodation

    Campus residence halls

    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; Ann Arbor, Michigan, 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.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Automotive Engineering Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin planning two to three months before the next application cycle, allowing time for documents, payment decisions, travel, and accommodation choices.

    Main challenge

    Turning engineering principles into a working miniature vehicle that meets defined goals.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the admission criteria and discuss whether residential or commuter attendance is the better fit.

    • Refresh basic mechanics and physics concepts, especially forces, motion, energy, and simple electrical systems.

    • Prepare examples of times you collaborated, solved a design problem, or learned through trial and error.

    • Plan travel, required documents, health information, and payment arrangements well before the session.

    Useful if

    You already enjoy mathematics, physics, design, robotics, or practical problem-solving.

    What do students do on Automotive Engineering Course?

    Students follow a focused sequence from automotive concepts to collaborative design, construction, testing, laboratory exposure, and career exploration.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn how vehicle projects progress from concept through design and production.

    2. 2

      Explore mechanical, electrical, physics, and emerging mobility concepts.

    3. 3

      Build a functional engine model using practical engineering principles.

    4. 4

      Work in a team to design and construct a miniature vehicle.

    5. 5

      Test the vehicle against defined performance criteria and solve design problems.

    6. 6

      Visit engineering facilities and explore automotive simulations.

    7. 7

      Hear from professionals working across mechanical, robotics, and automotive engineering.

    Automotive Engineering Course dates and deadlines

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

    First application wave

    22 February 2026

    Application fee increased after this date.

    Reference date

    Second application wave

    19 April 2026

    Application fee increased after this date.

    Reference date

    Final admission deadline

    17 May 2026

    Final general admission date for Summer 2026.

    Reference date

    Michigan session

    19-31 July 2026

    University of Michigan course run.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Open to students in Grades 9-12.

    • Students entering high school in the fall may apply.

    • Students who graduated in the spring may apply.

    • A minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent is required.

    • International students must demonstrate English proficiency.

    • Students must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria.

    How much does Automotive Engineering Course cost?

    Program tuition

    $5,698 residential; $2,998 commuter — Choose residential or commuter tuition.

    Funding or discounts

    • Course supplement: $250 — Mandatory for Automotive Engineering.
    • Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable.
    • Deposit: $600 — Paid when submitting the application.
    • Need-based scholarships: Up to 30% residential — Up to 60% of commuter tuition.

    What's included

    Residential tuition includes all meals and lodging., Residential tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Residential tuition includes weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch and the academic course., Commuter tuition includes weekday excursions and programming., Need-based scholarships can reduce eligible tuition.

    How to apply to Automotive Engineering Course

    1. 1

      Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.

    2. 2

      Confirm the verification email and complete the account details.

    3. 3

      Select the University of Michigan campus, session, Automotive Engineering course, and tuition type.

    4. 4

      Enter the student's contact information and complete the application with the student present.

    5. 5

      Pay the $600 deposit and application fee when submitting.

    6. 6

      Complete any additional forms or supporting documentation requested after review.

    7. 7

      Expect an enrollment decision within 5-7 business days after a complete submission.

    What does Automotive Engineering Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Vehicle design fundamentals

    Follow automotive projects from concept through design, development, and production.

    Applied engineering and physics

    Use mechanical, electrical, and physics principles to solve vehicle challenges.

    Models and prototypes

    Build an engine model and a miniature vehicle with performance goals.

    Future mobility

    Explore self-driving systems, electric vehicles, robotics, and digital innovation.

    Automotive careers

    Connect course activities with engineering roles across multiple industries.

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

    What is a typical day on Automotive Engineering Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic course

    Three-hour Automotive Engineering classes run on nine mornings.

    Afternoon activity

    Students join an academic excursion or recreational activity.

    Readiness workshop

    College readiness or True You personal-development sessions follow.

    Residential evening

    Dinner, clubs, and residential night checks complete the day.

    Who teaches on Automotive Engineering Course?

    The detailed course page identifies Art Hyde, a University of Michigan associate professor of mechanical engineering with more than 40 years of automotive-industry experience. His background includes Ford leadership roles, vehicle dynamics, automotive design, and work as chief engineer for two Ford Mustang generations.

    Students also hear from mechanical, robotics, automotive, and other industry professionals.

    Where do students stay on Automotive Engineering Course?

    Residential plan

    • University housing: Students share campus accommodation with roommates and common bathrooms.
    • Meals and lodging: Residential tuition includes lodging, all meals, and weekend excursions.
    • Residential support: Program staff live in the residence halls and provide 24-hour support.
    • Campus security: Access-controlled housing and campus security support student safety.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day attendance: Commuter programming runs on weekdays and includes lunch and excursions.
    • Campus activities: Commuters join academic and daytime programming before evening departure.

    Residential housing is shared and separated by gender; basic linens are provided.

    What happens after Automotive Engineering Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use the miniature vehicle and engine model as evidence of practical engineering exploration.

    Reflect on automotive, mechanical, robotics, electric-vehicle, or digital-technology career interests.

    Build examples of teamwork, design iteration, and applied problem-solving for future applications.

    Receive a completion certificate after finishing the program.

    Receive a professor's letter of recommendation after completion.

    The program does not normally award college credit.

    Where does Automotive Engineering Course take place?

    The course takes place on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, a college town in the center of Michigan's automotive region. Students use the campus as a base for classes, engineering visits, dining, residential life, and excursions around the area.

    Summer Springboard states that the program is not run or controlled by the university.

    Automotive Engineering Course FAQs

    Students explore vehicle design, development, and production through mechanical, electrical, robotics, physics, and emerging mobility concepts.

    Students build a functional engine model and collaborate on a miniature vehicle designed to meet specific performance criteria.

    The published structure has nine three-hour classes. Week one runs Monday through Friday mornings, week two runs Monday through Thursday mornings, and Wednesday afternoons include extra academic time.

    Yes. The course describes engineering-laboratory visits, simulations, and a visit to the Ford Robotics Building.

    Yes. Families can choose commuter tuition, which includes lunch, the academic course, excursions, and weekday programming.

    Residential tuition includes lodging, all meals, the academic course, excursions, and weekend excursions.

    No college credit is stated for this campus. Students in Summer Springboard programs receive a completion certificate and a professor's letter of recommendation.

    Summer Springboard offers need-based scholarships covering up to 30% of residential tuition or 60% of commuter tuition, subject to its scholarship process.

    Alternatives to Automotive Engineering Course

    Compare these related Succeed opportunities if you want a different engineering subject, city, or style of practical technology study.

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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

    • 2026 HS 2-week Automotive Engineering V3
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Campus Specific FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • General Information FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Terms & Conditions | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • University of Michigan | Campus | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Automotive Engineering | 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)

    • Course details checked

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Tuition options verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Schedule checked

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Funding terms checked

    • Application steps verified

    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.