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    Designing for Every Body: An Introduction to Prosthetics and Accessible Engineering
    In-person Program

    Designing for Every Body: An Introduction to Prosthetics and Accessible Engineering

    by Vanderbilt Summer Academy

    Vanderbilt Summer Academy’s prosthetics course explores accessible engineering through demonstrations, team design challenges, and an assistive-device prototype.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Designing for Every Body at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Academically advanced rising Grades 7-10

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 12-16

    Location / Region

    Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States

    Cost

    $2,150; $2,850

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

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

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    DesignEngineering
    Accommodation: Double or triple campus rooms
    Meals: All meals provided
    Outcome: Assistive prototype and instructor evaluation
    Academic schedule: Approximately 6 hours each weekday
    Instructor: Marion Hagstrom, mechanical engineering Ph.D. student
    Residential proctor groups: Approximately 6-14 students

    Designing for Every Body summary

    This Vanderbilt Summer Academy course connects prosthetics and assistive technology with the engineering design process. Human mobility and accessibility provide the practical context for learning.

    Students combine lectures and demonstrations with team design challenges, developing and presenting an assistive-device prototype.

    The strongest fit is a student who wants to test an interest in engineering through collaborative problem-solving and thoughtful design for real human needs.

    What is Designing for Every Body: An Introduction to Prosthetics and Accessible Engineering?

    Designing for Every Body: An Introduction to Prosthetics and Accessible Engineering is a Vanderbilt Summer Academy course offered through Vanderbilt University’s Programs for Talented Youth. It explores how engineers develop prosthetics and assistive technology to support mobility, independence, and quality of life. Force, motion, material selection, and accessibility connect the technical content to human needs.

    The course combines lectures, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on design challenges within VSA’s residential campus experience. Students work in small teams to develop an assistive-device prototype concept and present their work. The academic emphasis is on understanding and practicing the design process, from defining a problem to testing a proposed solution.

    Why Succeed highlights Designing for Every Body

    • Prosthetics gives engineering principles a clear human purpose, making accessibility central to the design work.

    • Students practice a complete introductory design process rather than only watching demonstrations.

    • The listed instructor researches affordable prosthetic knees and controllers, bringing directly relevant expertise.

    • Team prototype development and presentation create concrete opportunities to practice collaboration and technical communication.

    • Written instructor evaluation offers useful feedback without attaching grades or college credit.

    Who is Designing for Every Body for?

    Best for

    Students curious about prosthetics, assistive technology, and engineering who enjoy team problem-solving and want to connect technical choices with accessibility.

    Not ideal if

    You want college credit, a largely independent research placement, or a residential experience with extensive unsupervised time.

    Is Designing for Every Body worth it?

    This course is worth considering if you want to explore engineering through a specific problem with visible human consequences. Its combination of relevant instructor expertise, design challenges, and a team prototype can help you understand whether assistive technology interests you beyond the classroom.

    The main limitation is its introductory scope: a prototype concept is an early design exercise, not evidence of professional prosthetics competence. VSA also provides no academic credit and does not signal admission to Vanderbilt. Judge the experience by the learning and feedback you would value.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

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

    Cost and what is included

    $2,150; $2,850; includes Course instruction and materials., Residential housing., All meals., Residential outings and activities..

    Accommodation

    Double or triple campus rooms

    Meals

    All meals provided

    Provider details

    Review the Vanderbilt Summer Academy provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States.

    What to check before committing

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

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    How much preparation does Designing for Every Body need?

    Effort level

    High academic intensity.

    Best started

    Begin gathering documents four to six weeks before a future priority application window.

    Main challenge

    Connecting mechanical principles with diverse user needs while collaborating on a prototype.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose the test-score or portfolio documentation route and gather your transcript early.

    • If using the portfolio route, allow time for educator recommendations and an essay under 600 words.

    • Review basic force and motion concepts and consider how an everyday device could serve different users.

    • Plan for a fully supervised residential routine and review the student handbook with a parent or guardian.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in accessible engineering through practical work.

    What do students do on Designing for Every Body?

    You study how prosthetic and assistive devices respond to real human needs, then apply an introductory engineering design process. Lectures and demonstrations support small-team work on an assistive prototype.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore how prosthetics and assistive technology support mobility and independence.

    2. 2

      Investigate how force, motion, materials, and accessibility shape device design.

    3. 3

      Define a user problem and brainstorm possible solutions.

    4. 4

      Develop a prototype concept in a small team and practice prototyping and testing.

    5. 5

      Present your assistive prototype and explain your design.

    Designing for Every Body dates and deadlines

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

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Reference date

    Designing for Every Body: An Introduction to Prosthetics and Accessible Engineering — Rising Grades 7-8, Session 2

    14-19 June 2026

    Residential course session for rising Grades 7-8.

    Reference date

    Designing for Every Body: An Introduction to Prosthetics and Accessible Engineering — Rising Grades 9-10, Session 1

    21-27 June 2026

    Residential course session for rising Grades 9-10.

    Reference date

    Applications open

    7 January 2026

    2026 VSA priority application window began.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Rising Grades 7-8 or 9-10, in the corresponding session.

    • Apply only within your own rising grade level.

    • Submit qualifying academic documentation through either eligibility route.

    • Test-score route requires assessment results and a transcript.

    • Portfolio route requires transcript, educator recommendations, and an essay.

    • Portfolio essay must be fewer than 600 words.

    • English proficiency documentation is required when applicable.

    • Current health insurance and completed required forms are mandatory.

    How much does Designing for Every Body cost?

    Application fee

    $50 — Nonrefundable; $100 for international applicants.

    Funding or discounts

    • Tuition deposit: 20% of tuition — Normally due within one week of placement; credited toward tuition.
    • Need-based aid: For eligible families with income up to $105,000 or severe hardship; international students are ineligible.
    • Airport shuttle: $75 — Round-trip service required for students flying alone.

    What's included

    Course instruction and materials., Residential housing., All meals., Residential outings and activities.

    How to apply to Designing for Every Body

    1. 1

      Use the official VSA admissions page to prepare for the next application cycle.

    2. 2

      Create or update your SchoolDoc account.

    3. 3

      Choose the test-score or portfolio route and gather the required academic documents.

    4. 4

      Rank up to four courses, including only choices you would be willing to attend.

    5. 5

      Submit the application and nonrefundable fee, adding financial aid documents if requesting assistance.

    6. 6

      Following placement, complete required health and permission forms and follow your tuition instructions.

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    What does Designing for Every Body cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Prosthetics and assistive technology

    Explore how engineered devices support mobility, independence, and everyday activities.

    Engineering design process

    Practice defining problems, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, and testing.

    Force, motion, and materials

    Investigate how mechanical principles and material selection shape prosthetic function.

    Accessibility and human needs

    Consider diverse users when developing and presenting a team assistive-device prototype.

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

    What is a typical day on Designing for Every Body?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic study

    Accelerated instruction combines discussion, demonstrations, and hands-on design work.

    Residential activities

    Grades 7-10 participate in staff-supervised social and recreational activities.

    Residence hall routine

    After evening activities, Grades 7-10 remain in their hall until breakfast.

    Who teaches on Designing for Every Body?

    The listed instructor, Marion Hagstrom, is a Vanderbilt mechanical engineering Ph.D. student specializing in prosthetics and assistive technology. Her research develops affordable prosthetic knees and controllers for activities including biking and backward walking.

    Each VSA course has a dedicated instructor and teaching assistant.

    Where do students stay on Designing for Every Body?

    Residential plan

    • Ingram Commons housing: Students live in Vanderbilt’s first-year residence halls at Martha Rivers Ingram Commons.
    • Campus meals: All meals are provided, from arrival-day dinner through departure-day breakfast.
    • Staff supervision: Grades 7-10 are accompanied during classes and activities and supported by residential proctors.
    • Community activities: Residential outings and organized activities form part of the comprehensive VSA experience.

    Roommates are assigned randomly; most rooms are doubles, with some triples.

    What happens after Designing for Every Body?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop and present an assistive-device prototype.

    Build a foundation in the engineering design process.

    Explore prosthetics and assistive technology as future study interests.

    Receive written instructor feedback and a performance evaluation.

    VSA does not award grades or academic credit; recommendation letters are at the instructor’s discretion.

    Where does Designing for Every Body take place?

    The course takes place at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, with residential life centered on the Martha Rivers Ingram Commons. Nashville International Airport is approximately 20 minutes from campus, and staff shuttle arrangements apply to students flying alone.

    VSA cannot provide airline Unaccompanied Minor escorts; families must confirm airline requirements before booking.

    Designing for Every Body FAQs

    Students work in small teams to develop an assistive-device prototype concept. They practice the engineering design process and present their own assistive prototype.

    The listed instructor is Marion Hagstrom, a Vanderbilt mechanical engineering Ph.D. student specializing in prosthetics and assistive technology. Her research focuses on affordable prosthetic knees and controllers.

    Classes meet approximately six hours each weekday. VSA courses are accelerated and designed for academically advanced learners, with a mix of discussion, problem-solving, and hands-on work.

    VSA does not award grades or academic credit. Students receive written instructor feedback and a performance evaluation.

    Students live at Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, usually in double rooms and sometimes in triples. All meals are provided, mainly in campus dining halls.

    Grades 7-10 are accompanied by staff during the academic day and afternoon and evening activities. Students also have a classroom assistant and residential proctor as their main contacts.

    Most dietary needs can be accommodated with adequate advance notice. Families should record allergies and dietary restrictions in the required health forms.

    Need-based aid is available for eligible families with adjusted gross income of $105,000 or less, or severe hardship. Financial documentation is required, and international students are not eligible for this assistance.

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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.

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    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • PTY Precollege Admitted Students - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • VSA Frequently Asked Questions - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Vanderbilt Summer Academy - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Apply to a PTY Program | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Apply to VSA! - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • VSA Tuition & Financial Assistance - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Eligibility & Session Dates - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Vanderbilt Summer Academy Summer 2026 Precollege Courses | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University

    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

    • Grade-specific sessions verified

    • Application process reviewed

    • Financial aid criteria reviewed

    • Residential supervision reviewed

    • Academic outcomes checked

    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.