Inspiring Future Engineers Through Summer STEM Programs

The Computer Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) is dedicated to expanding STEM opportunities and inspiring the next generation of engineers through active participation in summer enrichment programs. By partnering with educational initiatives such as the FreshStart Summer Program and the ENTER inSTEM Program, CERL provides students with engaging, hands-on experiences that introduce them to the exciting world of engineering and technology.

These summer outreach activities are designed to expose students to a wide range of engineering disciplines, including electrical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems. Through interactive demonstrations, project-based learning, and real-world applications, participants gain valuable insights into how engineers develop innovative solutions to address societal and technological challenges.

A key component of these programs is the involvement of ECE faculty members and undergraduate and graduate student mentors, who share their experiences and guide participants through hands-on activities and engineering projects. This mentorship helps students build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and envision themselves pursuing future studies and careers in STEM fields.

Through its involvement in summer programs, CERL continues its mission to educate, inspire, and empower future innovators and technology leaders. By providing meaningful and engaging learning experiences, the laboratory strengthens the STEM pipeline, promotes diversity in engineering, and encourages students to pursue lifelong interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The following sections highlight some of CERL's outreach visits and community engagement activities that have made a positive impact on students, teachers, and schools throughout the region.

FreshStart Summer Program - 2026
ENTER in STEM Summer Program - 2026