Students gain hands-on experience with professional tools and maker technologies to transform ideas into functional prototypes and build a STEM-focused digital portfolio.
The Rutgers Honors Design Thinking Summer Academy is an intensive program that immerses middle and high school students in the engineering design process. Participants learn to identify real-world problems and develop innovative solutions through hands-on activities. The curriculum emphasizes human-centered design, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving, fostering collaboration among students. Utilizing professional tools and maker technologies such as CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, and microcontrollers, students transform their ideas into functional prototypes. The academy culminates in formal presentations where students showcase their design decisions, constraints, and impact, building confidence and essential college and career-ready engineering skills. Throughout the week, students also document their process and create a STEM-focused digital portfolio.
A typical day involves breakfast, welcome orientation, introductions, ice breakers, activities, lunch, and cultural/recreational group activities.
This program is ideal for curious and ambitious middle and high school students who want to learn how to solve real-world problems using design thinking and innovation.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
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