Immersing high school students in engineering and entrepreneurship

The University of Kentucky Engineering Summer Program is an immersive, one-week, residential program incorporating engineering and entrepreneurship curricula for Kentucky's top, rising high school seniors. The program's main objectives include: apprising students of the role of innovation in a global economy, educating them about the various engineering disciplines, informing students of the opportunities available to engineering graduates, acquainting them with the business development process, convincing students of the importance of being entrepreneurial, improving their communication and teamwork skills, and recruiting students for further engineering and entrepreneurial pursuits. The goals of the program are accomplished through the use of team building exercises, hands-on engineering labs, company tours, networking opportunities, and a group business venture competition. The program increases the participants' understanding of engineering and entrepreneurship. Additionally, it improves the students' attitudes toward engineering by combating stereotypes and demonstrating its expansive relevance. Demographic data on the program participants, their current academic pursuits, and program assessment results are presented.