Engineering Explorations is an immersive residential program that introduces rising high school juniors and seniors to four exciting engineering disciplines through hands-on projects, collaborative challenges, and real-world problem solving. Working alongside High Point University faculty and student mentors, you'll design mechanical systems, build electronic circuits, program microcontrollers, and bring everything together through robotics inside HPU's state-of-the-art Makerspace.
By the end of the week, you'll understand not only what engineers do—you'll have experienced it yourself.
Application Opens January 2027
Why Engineering Explorations?
Engineering is about solving problems that improve lives.
Throughout the week, you’ll tackle authentic engineering challenges while exploring electrical, mechanical, computer, and mechatronics engineering. Rather than focusing on a single specialty, you’ll discover how different engineering disciplines work together to solve complex problems.
Whether you already know engineering is in your future or you’re still exploring possibilities, you’ll leave with a stronger understanding of where your interests and talents fit.
What You’ll Experience
Every day brings a new engineering challenge.
You’ll:
- Build and test electronic circuits
- Design components using computer-aided design (CAD)
- Create parts using laser cutters and 3D printers
- Program microcontrollers
- Build and test a robotic system
- Work in collaborative engineering teams
- Present your final engineering project
You’ll spend your time creating—not watching.
Discover Four Engineering Disciplines
Throughout the week you’ll experience:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Together, these disciplines combine into one exciting final robotics project that showcases everything you’ve learned.
Is This Program Right for You?
Engineering Explorations is ideal for students who:
- Love solving problems
- Enjoy math and science
- Like building or creating things
- Are curious about technology
- Want to explore engineering before college
No previous engineering experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
You'll work inside our 7,000-square-foot Makerspace using professional equipment rarely available to high school students while receiving personal guidance from expert faculty and current HPU engineering students.
Because enrollment is limited to just 25 participants, you'll receive individualized attention throughout the week.
Application Opens January 2027