Assessing the Impact of an Interdisciplinary Engineering Summer Camp on Student Engagement and Interest

The objective of this summer engineering camp was to enhance student interest in engineering by providing hands-on exposure to interdisciplinary STEM concepts.Recent studies indicate a growing enthusiasm for computer science and its applications, yet a declining interest in broader engineering disciplines.To address this challenge, the engineering summer camp held at DePaul University was structured around a three-pronged approach consisting of interactive lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and practical application sessions.High school students who participated in the program reported an increased interest in computer programming, designing engineering systems, and collaborating in teambased problem-solving activities.The camp successfully fostered engagement by integrating Embedded System Design, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and Mobile Robotics, demonstrating the real-world applications of engineering in an accessible and engaging manner.