college of engineering, technology, and computer science
etcs summer exploration camps
Excited about STEM.
Designed to expose young students to all the fascinating areas of STEM, Summer Explorations offers four distinct areas of exploration: computer science, math and science, engineering, and physics. Check out what’s coming up.
For those needing financial assistance, please contact Autumn Wise @ [email protected] or 260-481-4145 for more information on how to submit the scholarship application. You must apply for the scholarship and be approved BEFORE registering for a camp.
*Grade listed is for grade the student will be entering into the fall of 2025
Elementary School Grades 2nd-5th
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science
Dates: July 14 - 18, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. - 3:30p.m.
Age: Grades 2–5
Fee: $270
Give your young innovator an inspiring, action-packed summer adventure! Exciting, hands-on challenges will spark curiosity and build their confidence as they jump into limitless STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fun with opportunities to imagine, experiment and create. Read more about what your camper will experience at camp:
INNOVATION
Gear up for sports and invention as you investigate the science of sports ball design, then personalize your own light-up game board. Get your creativity rolling to achieve your goal of being inducted into the Game of Fame!
PERSISTENCE
Shine bright as you use the science of light to create a customized Glow Box! Find inspiration from illuminating inventions and animals that glow to reveal a mystery behind a creature with a glowing feature.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Embark on an epic global operation to solve real-world water challenges! With help from your own robotic Lab-On-Wheels, explore water-based technology, then unlock sustainable design thinking by engineering a tiny house with crops.
CREATIVITY
Step into the Prototyping Studio to bring your big ideas to life! Mold and transform unique inventions as you uncover the many places world-changing inventors create, then protect your prototypes with the power of intellectual property.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
PROMO CODES AND DATES:
- Give the Gift of Camp by using the code GIFT35 between Dec 16 - 19, 2024!
- Alumni campers save $35 with code SUM35 between Feb 10 - 13, 2025!
- Save $25 between March 17 - 20, 2025 by using code SUM25!
- Save $15 by using code SUM15 between May 12 - 15, 2025!
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science
Dates: July 7 - 10, 2025
Time: 9am - 12pm
Age: Grades 2–5
Fee: $50
Kids entering 2nd grade through 5th grade are invited to join us on campus for a week of hands on activities to explore the world of engineering in a fun and interactive way. Led by a team of PFW professors from the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science, campers will explore a different type of engineering each day along with industry partners and current PFW engineering students. Activities are designed to align with Girl Scout and Boy Scout STEM curriculum, but Campers do not need to be a registered Girl Scout or Boy Scout to attend!
Questions? Contact Becca Essig, Associate Professor of First-Year Engineering, First-Year Engineering Program Coordinator at [email protected] or 260-481-4130.
*Scholarship application does not apply to this camp.
To join our email list to receive information about the 2025 camp, please complete this short form: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehVQJRQlTvB7YVw
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Middle School Grades 6th-8th
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: June 16-20, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 7-12
Max enrollment: 26 students
Fee: $TBA
The DroneBlocks ETCS Summer Exploration is the perfect opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the exciting world of drone technology. Throughout the ETCS Summer Exploration, in partnership with the Computer Science Department, students will learn to program drones with the easy-to-use DroneBlocks platform, allowing them to write code and execute complex flight plans easily. With experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment, DroneBlocks Summer Exploration is the ultimate destination for students interested in computer science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and explore the exciting world of drones!
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: The College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: June 16 - 20, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 6–8
Max enrollment: 24 students
Fee: $TBA
This summer, you can grab an amazing opportunity to learn from Purdue Fort Wayne professors in engineering, technology, and computer science. Discover PFW inside engineering and computer labs when you experience a variety of projects. Each day, your camp will rotate through different sessions to meet instructors, engage in hand-on activities, and watch enlightening demonstrations. Hear from experts about subjects like artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, computers and coding, and more. You will explore topics that interest you and get answers to questions about how they relate to your world and your future career. Join us and be a part of this new PFW Exploration Camp!
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: Department of Computer Science
Dates: July 14 - 18, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 6-8
Max enrollment: 20 students
Fee: $TBA
Explore the world of computer science through a weeklong project that challenges your computer science know-how with this question: What makes an app or website fun, intriguing, and easy for users? This is called UX design (user experience).
This camp will focus on providing an overview of different areas of computer science and will have you exploring computer interfaces and visually presented information to learn how to design your own purposeful interfaces (and watch out for the tricks that industries use to steal users’ attention). You will experience the design process, learn computer strategies, and exercise creative skills as you meet other students with similar interests and watch demonstrations in the virtual animation lab. Don’t miss this chance to get new insight into computer science.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: July 14 - 18, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 7-12
Max enrollment: 26 students
Fee: $TBA
The Advanced DroneBlocks ETCS Program, in partnership with the Computer Science Department, is tailored for middle and high school students with basic drone programming experience. This course delves into advanced drone programming using DroneBlocks, introducing key concepts in Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students will explore how these technologies enable smarter and more autonomous drone functions. The program combines expert instruction with advanced technology, offering students a unique opportunity to expand their drone technology, AI, and computer vision skills, setting the stage for further exploration in these exciting fields.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: July 7 - 11, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 6-8
Max enrollment: 12 students
Fee: $TBA
Join forces with a team to master the art of combining autonomous and remote-controlled robots to tackle exciting challenges. You'll strategize on building, programming, coding, and creating custom attachments, while learning how to manipulate the VEX robots for the week’s mini challenge. Along the way, gain insights into the field of engineering.
This camp welcomes participants of all experience levels. Under the guidance of a professional engineer and experienced technology teacher, you'll engage in hands-on exploration and skill-building, with instructors sharing valuable real-world knowledge throughout the journey.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: July 21 - 25, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 6-8
Max enrollment: 12 students
Fee: $TBA
Join forces with a team to master the art of combining autonomous and remote-controlled robots to tackle exciting challenges. You'll strategize on building, programming, coding, and creating custom attachments, while learning how to manipulate the VEX robots for the week’s mini challenge. Along the way, gain insights into the field of engineering.
This camp welcomes participants of all experience levels. Under the guidance of a professional engineer and experienced technology teacher, you'll engage in hands-on exploration and skill-building, with instructors sharing valuable real-world knowledge throughout the journey.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756
Registration opens February 1, 2025
High School Grades 9th-12th
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science
Dates: June 2-6, 2025
Time: 9am - 12:30pm
Age: Grades 9–12
Max enrollment: 12 students
Fee: $TBA
Join forces with a team to master the art of combining autonomous and remote-controlled robots to tackle exciting challenges. You'll strategize on building, programming, coding, and creating custom attachments, while learning how to manipulate the VEX robots for the week’s mini challenge. Along the way, gain insights into the field of engineering.
This camp welcomes participants of all experience levels. Under the guidance of a professional engineer and experienced technology teacher, you'll engage in hands-on exploration and skill-building, with instructors sharing valuable real-world knowledge throughout the journey.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: Department of Computer Science
Dates: June 9 - 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Age: Grades 9-12
Max enrollment: 20 students
Fee: $TBA
Do you have an interest in video game design? This week-long summer camp will go through the fundamentals of creating a game. No previous game-making skills are required. You will learn game design basics by creating analog games (card games, board games, and physical games like Rock, Paper, Scissors.) and analyzing what makes a game fun and engaging. Then you will create small interactive 2D and 3D digital games using the Unity Game Engine. Join us!
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: June 16 - 20, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 7-12
Max enrollment: 26 students
Fee: $TBA
The DroneBlocks ETCS Summer Exploration is the perfect opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the exciting world of drone technology. Throughout the ETCS Summer Exploration, in partnership with the Computer Science Department, students will learn to program drones with the easy-to-use DroneBlocks platform, allowing them to write code and execute complex flight plans easily. With experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment, DroneBlocks Summer Exploration is the ultimate destination for students interested in computer science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and explore the exciting world of drones!
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: School of Polytechnic and Mechanical Engineering Technicians, sponsored by HAAS
Dates: June 9 - 13, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 9-12
Max enrollment: 6 students
Fee: $TBA
Explore the world of machining tools through hands-on applications in the creation of a basic project. Learn layout and measuring strategies. Operate a metal lathe and a milling machine, and in a short time, watch your materials transform from unassembled pieces into a useful item. Become familiar with CNC machining and programming through demonstrations of HAAS machines.
During the camp, you will be able to chat each day with professionals from local industry who visit the machine shop to share their work experience in the industrial field and answer questions about careers. This hands-on workshop guided by experts provides access and training on tools that you may not normally use. It is a small class so register soon and let the chips fly.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration opens February 1, 2025
Offered by: Purdue Fort Wayne
Dates: July 21-25, 2025
Time:10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 10-12
Max enrollment: 30 students
Fee: FREE - Made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Have you ever wondered which Computing Major is for you? Join other Junior and Senior students learn about the differences between Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology. Led by PFW professors you will learn about Python Programming, Electronics, Raspberry Pi, Security and Networking and work on an Internet of Things (IoT) capstone project in a fun interactive environment. Hear from Industrial Professionals and discover what interests you the most in these fields. Lunch will be provided.
The Summer Computing Camp is sponsored by the Lily Endowment Inc. via Indiana Youth Programs on Campus.
Questions? Contact Matthew Perkins-Coppola, Associate Professor of Science Education, at [email protected] or 260-481-6516.
Registration will open on February 1, 2025
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: July 14-18, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Age: Grades 7-12
Max enrollment: 26 students
Fee: $TBA
The Advanced DroneBlocks ETCS Program, in partnership with the Computer Science Department, is tailored for middle and high school students with basic drone programming experience. This course delves into advanced drone programming using DroneBlocks, introducing key concepts in Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students will explore how these technologies enable smarter and more autonomous drone functions. The program combines expert instruction with advanced technology, offering students a unique opportunity to expand their drone technology, AI, and computer vision skills, setting the stage for further exploration in these exciting fields.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration will open February 1, 2025
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: June 22-27, 2025
Time: Check in will be @ 3:00pm Sunday afternoon and will conclude @ 1:00pm on Friday with a presentation
Age: Grades 10-12
Max enrollment: 20 students
Fee: $500
"Explore the World of AI This Summer at Purdue University Fort Wayne!"
Unlock the Future with AI Ignite Camp! Dive into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence at our week-long residential AI Ignite Camp, specially designed for rising Sophomore, Junior and Senior high school students. This unique camp at Purdue University Fort Wayne offers an immersive experience in AI, blending expert-led learning with fun campus student life and city explorations.
- Learn from the Experts: Engage with topics like machine learning, neural networks, and AI ethics taught by experts.
- Hands-On Experience: Build and develop your AI projects and learn the practical skills needed in the rapidly evolving tech world.
- Capstone Project: Showcase your newfound knowledge in a capstone project, presenting it to faculty, parents, and peers on the final day.
Explore and Enjoy Fort Wayne!
- Balance learning with social activities as you discover the city and campus through group activities.
- Develop lasting friendships and network with like-minded peers within our city's vibrant setting.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration will open February 1, 2025
Offered by: College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
Dates: July 7 -11, 2025
Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Age: Grades 9-12
Max enrollment: 10 students
Fee: $TBA
Are you interested in automation and robotics? This camp will allow students to build some subsystems that present the integration of Robotics with manufacturing by using physical properties to benefit the robotic applications. We will adapt the power of the motors with the desired tasks that need to be automatized. At the end of the camp we will also try to get a sensor loop in the contraptions. Automation Bots is a manufacturing industry 4.0 summer camp to introduce you to the advanced technology being used in many of our local industries and world-wide to include robotics, IofT (Internet of things), jobs in the various technical fields. This is an advanced robotics camp. Students must have attended the SWARMBOTS Camp or have prior experience on a robotics team or club.
Questions? Contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756.
Registration will open February 1, 2025
Interested in Visual and Performing Arts?
Head to Purdue Fort Wayne Community Arts Academy for more Summer Camps.
Or contact Molly Papier [email protected]
Interested in physics?
Head to Purdue Fort Wayne Department of Physics to learn more about their Summer Research Camp 2024.
Or contact Dr. Gang Wang for more information at [email protected]
Have Questions?
Please contact Janet North, ETCS Outreach Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or 260-481-5756