Inspiring Excellence: Technology Solutions supports College of Engineering outreach program
At UIC, we believe that access to technology and hands-on learning experiences can spark interest and unlock the potential of future innovators. This summer, the Engineering Experience Camp, facilitated by the College of Engineering (COE), provided 4th to 12th-grade students with a unique opportunity to explore the exciting world of engineering through hands-on activities, lab work, and real-world problem-solving. Technology Solutions played a critical role not only in ensuring the success of the camp by providing the technological infrastructure but also contributing to the Software Design Day, led by Technology Solutions’ Software Development and Delivery (SDD) team.
About the Engineering Experience Camp Heading link
The Engineering Experience Camp is a 5-day program that introduces children to the five departments within the UIC College of Engineering (COE). On one day, students may learn about biomedical engineering, then chemical engineering the next day, followed by computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical and industrial engineering the rest of the week, said the camp director, Dr. Zhinan Wang, Clinical Associate professor in the Richard and Loan Hill Department of biomedical engineering.
The camp began in 2019 but paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since resuming in 2022, the program has grown significantly.
This year has been the Camp’s largest, with 430 students registered. The program is self-sustaining, based on tuition paid by parents and guardians, with some help from a National Science Foundation grant.
Dr. Wang Quote Heading link
Every day they are meeting new tutors, they are going to the new space, and overall, after the full week’s experience, they will get a very good taste of what is engineering and what is the big difference between different engineering departments and majors.
| Clinical Associate Professor
The Software Development and Delivery (SDD) Team delivers excellence Heading link
The Software Development and Delivery (SDD) team from Technology Solutions played a key role in this year’s College of Engineering summer camp by leading the Software Design track for one of the five days. Due to resource constraints within the Computer Science department, the SDD team was able to step in to ensure camp participants could experience a comprehensive introduction to software engineering. SDD interviewed and sourced dedicated TAs to design engaging hands-on software engineering modules for three different age groups.
Younger students were introduced to debugging that involved correcting flawed code and then applying their newfound skills to interactive coding activities; middle schoolers explored game development, and presented in a Shark Tank-style pitch of their game idea; and older students delved deeper into Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and advanced game design.
By enabling younger generations to work in an authentic university environment performing real-life engineering tasks, this program aims to inspire the next generation of STEM students.
Quote 3 Heading link
This is truly a unique experience for the Chicagoland area. No other camps offer a sneak peek of each engineering discipline for 4th-12th graders. I look forward to scaling this program up with Professor Wang in the future to deliver impactful experiences that can inspire young minds and shape the future of STEM. Any UIC unit can participate, such as ours, to 10x the Engineering Camp.
| Director, Software Development & Delivery, Technology Solutions
Cross Collaborative Efforts Lead to Success Heading link
The collaborative efforts between the College of Engineering and the SDD team not only contributed to the camp’s success but also demonstrated how Technology Solutions can partner with other departments to support similar initiatives.
The tools and infrastructure needed may already be in place, and with the right guidance, Technology Solutions can be a valuable resource to support programs, projects, and other departmental efforts.
By leveraging this partnership, colleges can enhance their impact, optimize resources, and build lasting impressions for future generations to pursue academic excellence while advancing our institution’s mission.
Parent Quote Heading link
Thank you for creating such a wonderful learning environment! It’s fantastic that students get to explore a variety of subjects throughout the week. I am excited to enroll my daughter next year.
Learn More Heading link
For more information on how your college can participate in future camps, please contact the camp director, Dr. Zhinan Wang, engineeringcamp@uic.edu.