The Vergnano Institute for Inclusion is committed to fostering connection and passion in the engineering and STEM fields. In addition to our semester based programs, we also offer summer programs. Our summer programs are designed to facilitate the outreach, future recruitment, retention, and overall success of all members of the College of Engineering community.
SPARK
SPARK is a summer camp for middle school girls interested in STEM, offering a unique, hands-on experience designed and delivered by current UConn undergraduate women studying engineering and science. With guidance from UConn women faculty and staff, as well as input from our corporate and non-profit partners, the program now benefits from a contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat—supported by the Maritime Industrial Base—to further enrich our curriculum with real-world maritime engineering insights. It includes:
If you are a current 5th – 7th grade (rising 6th – 8th grade) female student, the University of Connecticut invites you to challenge yourself by incorporating your math and science skills into hands-on projects and experiments, exciting engineering concepts, and fun activities. SPARK is UConn’s latest initiative to shrink the STEM gender gap. Participants will be taught and mentored by outstanding female undergraduate engineering students. For questions, please contact engr-spark@uconn.edu.
Explore Engineering
Explore Engineering (E2) is a two week residential STEM summer camp for current high school sophomores and juniors. At the Storrs Campus, participants work in small groups with current engineering students to learn what various engineers do in the workplace, and see engineering concepts demonstrated. In the evenings, through the Grand Challenge Program, students work on a two week interdisciplinary project that has applications for some of the society’s greatest challenges. For questions, please contact engr-explore@uconn.edu
Boat Camp
Boat Camp is a hands-on summer program at UConn Avery Point designed for rising 5th and 6th graders to explore marine and ocean engineering, shipbuilding, and the science behind boats and submarines. The camp includes activities with Electric Boat, excursions, and STEM-based learning experiences.