Calling future engineers! Vaughn has pulled out all the stops as the College introduces its first-ever virtual engineering competition as part of its summer academy program. Imagine putting your ingenuity and problem-solving skills to the test while competing for a chance to win scholarship money to Vaughn? If you are passionate about engineering and have the competitive edge to show off your skills while solving some of the world’s most serious problems right now, then buckle up for a fun and exciting summer experience. Here is what you need to know:

Who is eligible?

The Engineering Innovation Summer Academy is open to local high school students and transfer students who have a passion for both engineering and problem solving.

About the program

The six-week program offers qualifying students a chance to earn three (3) Vaughn College credits at no cost, as well as a chance to win scholarship money to Vaughn. Here is what you need to know about the program:

• Students will make a difference by tackling a contemporary problem related to modern circumstances—such as pandemics, societal issues, climate change and the like—that may have an engineering-related solution.
• Students will work in small teams of three to create an idea and sustainable operations model that will take the form of a product or service that is responsive to clients and investors.
• Classes will be synchronous and completed online via Zoom.
• Webinars will feature guest speakers (engineering entrepreneurs) on a variety of topics discussing real-world experiences.
• Students will pitch products/services to simulated investors on August 14 for the chance to win scholarship money to Vaughn.
  • First Place – $7,500 per team member
  • Second Place – $5,000 per team member
  • Third Place – $2,500 per team member

When is it?

The course runs Monday, July 6 through Friday, August 14.

Speaker Series Schedule: Fridays 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

• July 10: Young Entrepreneurs Speak
• July 17: Women Entrepreneurs Speak
• July 24: Global Entrepreneurial Programs
• July 31: IP and Standards Explained
• August 7: Getting Financing
• August 14: Summer Academy Pitches

NOTE: There is a nine-student minimum to run the program. Scholarship awards can be combined with current offers but cannot exceed the cost of tuition.

How do I enroll?

(Submissions are due no later than June 18 at 12:59 p.m.)

Eligible students should post a 30-45-second video on Instagram that details a world problem they are passionate about solving.

The following information should be addressed in the video:

• A world problem that you are passionate about which could be solved with an engineering solution
• How Vaughn’s Engineering Innovation Summer Academy would help you explore that world problem
• Why you are excited about winning scholarship money to Vaughn College

The following criteria is required:

• Tag @vaughncollege on your video to ensure we can access your video for consideration
• Complete the required form on the Engineering Innovation Summer Academy page
• After acceptance to the summer program, you will be asked to complete an application to attend Vaughn College, where your application fee will be waived.

Gaining a valuable experience

In such uncertain times, the summer academy program at Vaughn opens the door to students to gain valuable experience at both a personal and professional level. Here is what you will gain:

• Making your mark among your peers by solving some of the world’s current modern-day problems
• Studying locally, studying safe
• Enjoying small class sizes and individualized attention

Engineering Entrepreneur Speaker Series

For those who want to hear from the experts but not compete, Vaughn is also offering a webinar speaker series where you can hear engineering entrepreneurs speak about their experiences. Webinars will be held every Friday from July 10 to August 7 at 12 p.m. You can listen to the webinars for FREE, or purchase access to the videos for a limited time, receive the ability to ask questions of the speakers and obtain membership to the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE).

Tier One Access: FREE

You will receive FREE live Speaker Series Webinar access every Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. from July 10 through August 7.

• July 10: Young Entrepreneurs Speak
• July 17: Women Entrepreneurs Speak
• July 24: Global Entrepreneurial Programs
• July 31: IP and Standards Explained
• August 7: Getting Financing

Register Now for FREE Tier One Access

Tier Two Access: $50

You will receive:

• Three-month access to all five webinars
• Ability to submit one question per week after the webinar to the one of the featured speakers
• Half-year Institute for Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) Student Membership

Tier Three Access: $100

You will receive:

• Three-month access to all five webinars
• Ability to submit one question per week after the webinar to one of the featured speakers
• Half-year Institute for Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) Student Membership
• Name will be added to a lottery for 10, 30-minute mentorship sessions with a member of the IEEE Entrepreneurship Committee of professionals

Register Now for Tier Two or Three Access