Design a Summer to Remember!
For more than 30 years, the Arizona Summer Engineering Academy (SEA) has offered summer outreach programs for rising 9th through 12th graders, as well as graduated seniors*, who want to learn more about engineering – and get a taste of life as a Wildcat! SEA attendees:
- Work with professors, graduate and undergraduate students on design projects and hands-on activities
- Meet current students, faculty and industry partners while learning about engineering degrees, research and careers
- Explore the UA campus, facilities and community
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Develop meaningful connections with peers who share similar interests and passions
* Class of 2026 graduates
SEA 2026 Schedule
This year, SEA will be offering day camps which are four-days long and bringing back two residential programs. Lunch is provided daily. Housing accommodations will only be provided for the residential programs, but you are welcome to plan a trip to Tucson with your family and visit local attractions while your high school student(s) attends SEA.
- Week 1: June 8 - 11
Engineering Our Energy and Water: Commuter Camp
Engineering Our Energy summer camp offers an exciting and educational experience where campers explore innovative engineering solutions to environmental challenges. Through hands-on projects and activities, participants will learn about innovative practices in areas like renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and energy-efficient building technologies. Campers will work in teams to design, test, and implement future-proof solutions, using cutting-edge tools and techniques to create a robust world. With guidance from experienced engineers and environmental experts, campers will gain practical knowledge and skills while developing a passion for innovation and creative problem-solving and the role engineering plays in shaping the future. This camp inspires the next generation of environmental leaders and engineers dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet.
- Week 2: June 15 - 18
Explore Engineering I: Residential Camp
Our residential engineering camp offers an immersive, hands-on experience where participants dive into the exciting and ever-evolving world of engineering through innovation. Throughout the camp, participants will tackle engaging projects, collaborative challenges, and real-world problem-solving opportunities that showcase the many possibilities within STEM. Living on campus, campers will experience college life firsthand, building friendships and developing leadership skills while exploring creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. With guidance from experienced mentors and access to cutting-edge facilities, campers will discover how engineering shapes the world around us and be inspired to imagine their own future pathways. This camp provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the breadth of engineering while igniting a passion for discovery, design, and innovation. Residential camps are only available to rising junior through senior year high school students.
- Week 3: June 29 - July 3
Women in Engineering: Commuter Camp
Our women in engineering summer camp is designed to inspire and empower young women by providing them with hands-on experience and mentorship in the field of engineering. The camp offers a supportive, collaborative environment where young women can build confidence in their problem-solving abilities, enhance their critical thinking skills, and discover how they can make an impact in the world of engineering. With guidance from female engineers and industry professionals, participants will leave the camp not only with new skills but also with the motivation to pursue careers in STEM fields and become leaders in engineering.
Women in Engineering: Residential Camp
An exciting extension of the program includes an overnight experience, where participants will engage in evening activities such as team-building challenges, interactive workshops, and social events that foster community and collaboration. This portion of the program allows campers to further immerse themselves in campus life while strengthening connections with peers and mentors. Residential camps are only available to rising junior through senior year high school students.
- Week 4: July 6 - 9
Semiconductor Design, Fabrication and Application: Commuter Camp
Participants will dive into the fascinating world of semiconductor design, fabrication, and application. Through hands-on projects, campers will learn how semiconductors power everything from smartphones to computers and renewable energy solutions. They will explore the science behind semiconductor materials, how circuits are created, and the critical role semiconductors play in modern technology. From designing their circuits to working with fabrication tools and applying their designs in real-world scenarios, this camp offers a comprehensive, exciting introduction to the world of electronics and innovation. With guidance from experts in the field, campers will gain valuable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, all while discovering the transformative impact semiconductors have on our everyday lives and future technologies.
To cap off the week, campers will take part in an exclusive field trip to a leading semiconductor industry partner—potentially in the Phoenix area—where they’ll gain a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge technology and explore how innovations in STEM are transforming the world.
- Week 5: July 13 - 16
Explore Engineering 2: Residential Camp
Our residential engineering camp offers an immersive, hands-on experience where participants dive into the exciting and ever-evolving world of engineering through innovation. Throughout the camp, participants will tackle engaging projects, collaborative challenges, and real-world problem-solving opportunities that showcase the many possibilities within STEM. Living on campus, campers will experience college life firsthand, building friendships and developing leadership skills while exploring creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. With guidance from experienced mentors and access to cutting-edge facilities, campers will discover how engineering shapes the world around us and be inspired to imagine their own future pathways. This camp provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the breadth of engineering while igniting a passion for discovery, design, and innovation. Residential camps are only available to rising junior through senior year high school students.
- Week 6: July 20-23
Challenge Accepted: Commuter Camp
This summer, our ChallENGe Accepted camp invites curious minds to explore the magic of light, optics, and electronics through the creation of their very own infinity mirror. Campers will experiment with reflection, refraction, and circuitry as they bring science to life in a hands-on, project-based environment. Along the way, they’ll collaborate in teams to design, build, and test their mirrors—gaining skills in problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. Guided by experienced mentors, participants will discover how science and engineering work together to create dazzling effects and real-world technology. Fresh, fun, and inspiring, this camp is the perfect opportunity to spark curiosity, build confidence, and ignite a passion for STEM.
Residential camps are $750 while commuter camps are $350. There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee, all other fees must be paid 3 weeks prior to the first day of camp. All participants are encouraged to apply for a needs-based scholarship that can be found on the registration portal. All needs-based scholarship applications are due April 15, 2026.
Registration for the high school programs is open from March 2, 2026 through June 30, 2026, or until space is filled. Enrollment into all programs is on a first come, first serve basis. Each program's waitlist opens once capacity is reached.
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June 1 - 5
Cummings Aerospace Middle School Engineering Camp
The Cummings Aerospace Engineering Camp exposes middle school students to STEM-related curricula, which can instill a desire to explore STEM- related fields. This one-week summer day camp introduces students to 3D-design, 3D-printing, coding, and robotics.
As a sponsored program that provides opportunities for middle school students to learn about engineering disciplines, participants are exposed to new technologies, problem-solving skills, and team building exercises.
For more information, please contact the Summer Engineering Academy Director at engr-sea@arizona.edu.
Registration for the middle school program is open from April 20, 2026 until May 29, 2026, or until space is filled. Enrollment into all programs is on a first come, first serve basis. Each program's waitlist opens once capacity is reached.
SEA 2025 Recap & Photo Album
Thank You SEA 2025 Campers!
We have reached the conclusion of another successful Summer Engineering Academy program! SEA 2025 featured 4 weeks of camp bringing high school students and one week of middle school programming on the UA campus to work on engineering projects, activities, presentations and real-life experiences from the College of Engineering’s 18 disciplines.
We want to thank our incredible campers, parents, faculty, and staff for an amazing summer and wish everyone a great start to the school year.
SEA 2025 Photo Album
To view photos from this year’s in-person camp sessions, please click the button below for the full SEA 2025 album!
Summer Camp Employment for Current Students
Summer Engineering Academy 2024 employed approximately 12 current undergraduate students from engineering-related majors to work as part-time counseling and administrative staff. We are always looking for current students who are interested in gaining leadership skills, working to inspire youth in STEM, and serving their community. Previous experience working with youth is a plus, but not required. To inquire about future opportunities, reach out to engr-sea@arizona.edu. Applications are posted in Handshake starting in February, you must be a current UA student during the Spring 2025 semester in order to apply.
Supporters
Donors have been integral to the growth of the Summer Engineering Academy. From scholarship support to curriculum development and supplies, every donation has a direct impact on making the program a success and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
A special thanks to our sponsors:
For information on how you can support the Summer Engineering Academy, please contact the SEA staff at engr-sea@arizona.edu.
Learn More
Sign up for our mailing list to find out more about 2024 programs and beyond. Please contact engr-sea@arizona.edu for further information.
Subscribe for SEA Updates
To learn more about the UA’s Summer Engineering Academy, call 520.621.6030 or email engr-sea@arizona.edu
FAQs
Does my child need an engineering background to attend camp?
No prior engineering experience is required. SEA camps are open to students within the listed age range who are interested in learning more about engineering. We welcome students from all educational backgrounds, including public, private, charter, and homeschool settings.
SEA is best suited for students who show curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. Students who enjoy problem-solving, hands-on activities, or STEM-related classes or clubs tend to benefit most from this camp experience.
How does the registration process work?
Registration opens on March 2, 2026, and will remain open through June 30, 2026, or until all sessions are full. Enrollment is limited, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once registration and the non-refundable registration fee are completed, your child’s spot in the camp is reserved. Full payment must be received no later than three weeks prior to the start of your child’s registered session. If full payment is not received by this deadline, your child may be removed from the program to allow space for another participant.
What is the refund policy?
There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee.
- Families may request a refund of the remaining balance if cancellation occurs at least 14 days before the start of the registered session.
- Partial refunds may be requested up to 7 days before the session begins.
- Refund requests made after these deadlines cannot be honored.
We encourage families to review schedules carefully before registering.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to support families. Once registration has been completed, you will receive an email inviting families to apply for a scholarship.
Please note that paying the registration fee secures your child’s spot in the program but does not guarantee a scholarship award.
Please note that full payment is not due until three weeks prior to the start of your child’s registered session, allowing ample time for families to receive and consider potential scholarship awards.
What is the daily schedule and supervision like?
Commuter camps runs daily, Monday - Thursday; campers should plan to:
- 8:45 AM Drop-off
- 9:00 AM Workshop I
- 12:00 PM Lunch
- 1:00 PM Workshop II
- 4:00 PM Pick up
Students are supervised throughout the day by trained undergraduate staff and University of Arizona faculty and graduate students. Lunch is provided daily, and students receive a 45-minute lunch break in the middle of the day.
Residential camps follow the same daily schedule as the commuter camp with breakfast in the morning, Workshop III, dinner, and an evening engineering program prior to lights out.
What does the camp fee include?
The registration fee covers all aspects of your child’s camp experience, including:
- Hands-on engineering activities and lab experiences
- All materials and supplies needed throughout the week
- Instruction and supervision by trained undergraduate staff, UA faculty, and graduate students
Students will also receive SEA program materials (“swag”), including:
- A camp T-shirt
- Drawstring bag
- Notebook