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Engineering Institute
A hands-on engineering immersion centered on human-centered design, prototyping, robotics, electronics, mechanics and biomedical models.
Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Engineering Institute at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Current Grades 9-12
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Cost
$3,500
Duration
Sunday-Friday
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.
Save programEngineeringBiomedical Engineering
Accommodation: University residence hall
Meals: All meals provided
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of Completion
Campus experience: Labs, field trip, evening activities
Tutors / faculty: Wake Forest engineering faculty
Engineering Institute summary
A practical engineering immersion built around human-centered design and solving real-world problems.
Students sketch, prototype, build, test and present designs while exploring robotics, electronics, mechanics, 3D printing and biomedical models.
It suits curious problem-solvers who want a structured university-campus introduction to engineering and its career pathways.
What is Engineering Institute?
The Engineering Institute is a Wake Forest University Summer Immersion experience focused on the fundamentals of engineering and the design process. Students examine human-centered design, technical sketching, biomedical models, mechanics and electronics.
Practical work includes a chair-design challenge, prototyping, 3D printing, robotics, laboratory visits and a field trip. Students build, test and present solutions while learning about engineering career pathways.
Why Succeed highlights Engineering Institute
The curriculum connects engineering concepts to a complete design-and-prototype process.
Students gain practical exposure through robotics, 3D printing, laboratory visits and a field trip.
Named academic leaders teach in Wake Forest University's Engineering Department.
The residential structure combines academic work with supervised campus life.
Completion brings an official Wake Forest University certificate.
Who is Engineering Institute for?
Best for
Curious problem-solvers seeking a practical introduction to engineering design, prototyping and university campus life.
Not ideal if
You want academic credit, a non-residential option or a narrowly specialized advanced engineering course.
Is Engineering Institute worth it?
This program offers a concentrated way to test an interest in engineering through practical design work, lab exposure and direct teaching from university engineering faculty. The residential campus setting adds useful experience of university-style routines and independence.
The limitation is that it is a short, non-credit enrichment program rather than a formal qualification. Its strongest value comes from subject exploration and reflection, so students should weigh that experience against the tuition and travel commitment.
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Cost and what is included
$3,500; includes All meals during the five-day campus stay, Transportation for off-site field trips, University residence-hall stay, Academic and evening programming, Official Certificate of Completion.
Accommodation
University residence hall
Meals
All meals provided
Provider details
Review the Wake Forest University provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
Sunday-Friday; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 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 programsHow much preparation does Engineering Institute need?
Effort level
Moderate.
Best started
Begin four to six weeks before the 1 November application opening to prepare essays and contact a recommender.
Main challenge
Turning genuine engineering curiosity into specific, well-crafted application essays.
Typical preparation
Draft the two essays with concrete examples of your curiosity and problem-solving.
Ask a teacher, counselor or administrator for a recommendation early.
Confirm that your academic and disciplinary record meets the requirements.
Plan residential travel, payment and accommodation requests after acceptance.
Useful if
You can explain what problems, technologies or design questions interest you.
What do students do on Engineering Institute?
Students follow an engineering design process from identifying a need through sketching, prototyping, testing and presentation, supported by laboratory visits and practical technology experiences.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Learn the human-centered engineering design process.
- 2
Explore technical sketching, biomedical models, mechanics and electronics.
- 3
Develop a response to a hands-on design challenge.
- 4
Sketch, prototype and build the proposed solution.
- 5
Test the design and present the result.
- 6
Explore 3D printing, robotics and engineering laboratories.
- 7
Take part in an engineering field trip and research-lab engagement.
Engineering Institute 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
Engineering Institute: 5-10 July 2026
5-10 July 2026
Engineering Institute: 19-24 July 2026
19-24 July 2026
Applications open
1 November 2026
Opening date for the summer 2027 application cycle.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications | Rolling admissions | Local | Reference date | |
Engineering Institute: 5-10 July 2026 | 5-10 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Engineering Institute: 19-24 July 2026 | 19-24 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 1 November 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Current students in Grades 9-12.
Good academic standing is required.
Applicants must have no school suspensions.
Home-schooled students may apply.
International students may apply.
Students must participate fluently in English.
International students cannot receive program need-based aid.
How much does Engineering Institute cost?
Program tuition
$3,500 — Published tuition for the 2026 residential institute.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $60 — Non-refundable and due with the application.
- Enrollment deposit: $550 — Non-refundable payment used to secure a seat.
- Need-based scholarships: Limited funding — Requested through the general application.
What's included
All meals during the five-day campus stay, Transportation for off-site field trips, University residence-hall stay, Academic and evening programming, Official Certificate of Completion
How to apply to Engineering Institute
- 1
Create an account in the Wake Forest Pre-College student portal.
- 2
Complete the online Summer Immersion Program application.
- 3
Write and submit two responses to the application essay prompts.
- 4
Report your GPA; a transcript and test scores are not required.
- 5
Request one recommendation from a teacher, counselor or administrator.
- 6
Pay the $60 non-refundable application fee when submitting.
- 7
After acceptance, select an institute and week and submit the $550 deposit.
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What does Engineering Institute cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Human-Centered Design
Learn a design process that begins with human needs and real-world problems.
Technical Sketching
Practise communicating engineering ideas through sketches before prototyping.
Biomedical Models
Explore how models support engineering work in biomedical contexts.
Mechanics and Electronics
Investigate two foundational areas used in engineered systems and devices.
Prototyping and Testing
Build, test and present solutions during hands-on design challenges.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Engineering Institute?
A typical day during the program.
Morning start
Breakfast, travel to Wake Downtown, welcome and design-process instruction.
Design work
Students begin the challenge, sketch ideas and build a prototype.
Build and present
Students build, present and test their designs.
Campus evening
Dinner is followed by evening activities, free time and lights out.
Who teaches on Engineering Institute?
The named academic leaders are Dr. Melissa Kenny, an Associate Teaching Professor in Engineering, and Dr. William Crowe, an Assistant Teaching Professor with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Their interests span engineering education, biomechanics, microfluidics, additive manufacturing and medical devices.
The wider Summer Immersion Program also provides access to faculty, researchers and industry professionals.
Where do students stay on Engineering Institute?
Residential plan
- Residence halls: Every participant stays in an assigned campus residence hall from Sunday to Friday.
- Meals: All meals are provided through campus dining or catering for off-campus activities.
- Residential support: Professional staff live in the residence hall and provide overnight supervision.
- Evening activities: Staff-led options can include basketball, karaoke, Spikeball, volleyball and workshops.
Roommates are assigned randomly unless an eligible request is granted.
What happens after Engineering Institute?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Use the experience to test interest in engineering study and careers.
Apply the engineering design process to future school or personal projects.
Develop sketches, prototypes and presentations for reflective application evidence.
Receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.
Explore possible pathways across biomedical, mechanical and technology-related engineering.
The program carries no secondary-school or college credit and gives no preferential treatment in Wake Forest admission.
Where does Engineering Institute take place?
The program is based at Wake Forest University's Reynolda Campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Engineering activities can also involve travel to Wake Downtown, the Engineering Innovation Lab and Innovation Quarter research labs.
Airport shuttles may be reserved separately from Piedmont Triad International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Engineering Institute FAQs
The published topics are human-centered design, technical sketching, biomedical models, mechanics and electronics.
Activities include a chair-design challenge, 3D printing, robotics, prototyping, an Engineering Innovation Lab tour, a field trip and engagement with research labs.
No. All participants must live in the assigned campus residence hall for the duration of the institute.
Yes. All meals are provided during the campus stay, with dining-hall or catered options and consideration of submitted dietary restrictions.
No. It is a non-credit enrichment program, but students who complete it receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.
Applicants need one recommendation from a teacher, school counselor or school administrator who can discuss their academic ability and readiness for a college environment.
Yes. Both groups may apply, although international students are not eligible for the program's need-based aid or scholarships.
Program staff supervise students during academic, recreational and evening activities. Professional staff live in the residence hall, and the team operates a 24-hour on-call rotation.
Alternatives to Engineering Institute
Compare these in-person engineering summer programs by location, academic emphasis, duration and overall cost.
Alternatives to Engineering Institute
Practical engineering course at Berkeley
Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From $3298
14-18
Berkeley
In-person
Best for
Students comparing broad engineering foundations
Mechanical engineering study at Georgia Tech
Engineering
14 Jun 2026
From $3298
14-18
Atlanta
In-person
Best for
Students drawn to mechanical engineering
Engineering study in Cambridge
Biomedical Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
13-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students seeking a longer academic environment
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
- Wake Forest Pre-College Programs Applications
- Wake Forest Pre-College Campus
- Summer Immersion Program Dates | Wake Forest Pre-College
- FAQ | Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
- Apply - Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
- Wake Forest High School Summer Program | Engineering
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)
Program format checked
Eligibility reviewed
Application process verified
Tuition checked
Session dates reviewed
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Faculty details reviewed
Certificate confirmed
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.
Engineering Institute
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