University of Washington

Seattle is a wonderful place to launch into the field of Aerospace Engineering due to the Boeing presence in the city, the city’s vast research and innovation, and aerospace manufacturing being the state’s largest export. Join Summer Springboard at University of Washington to learn about the growing field which welcomes numerous academic paths and job opportunities. Throughout the course, students will explore and unpack various aspects of aerospace engineering, including the history of flight, flights mechanics, system engineering, principles of effective design for aircraft and spacecraft, propulsions systems, aircraft performance, and more. Students will understand the key differences between aeronautical and astronautical engineering and use basic orbital mechanics. Students will participate in hands-on practical activities based on the topics they are learning, including designing and manipulating their own basic glider airplane or rocket to test certain flight maneuvers/concepts, and perform within certain parameters.

Previous foundational knowledge in the following classes is either recommended (R) or strongly recommended (SR), but not required: algebra (R), geometry (R), trigonometry (SR), calculus (SR), and physics 1 and 2 (SR).

Guest Speakers and Excursions: Students will have the chance to visit companies or organizations in the aerospace engineering industry, as well as hear from experienced professionals in the field. Although this is a first year program, previous students in the course have heard from guest speakers affiliated with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, The Aerospace Corporation, and more.

Design plays an integral part of many aspects of modern life including business, marketing, communication, and user experience. Students will leave the course with new hard skills, knowing how to use different applications and create designs and with new softs skills including creativity, adaptability, and attention to detail. The combined skills and foundations learned will make students stronger designers and be able to apply their skills in personal and school projects.

Students will learn firsthand from business veterans about starting and running a business. Over the course of the program, they will develop a plan for a new venture and pitch their idea to real world investors. Along the way, meet with leaders from different areas of business and finance.

Foreign affairs will equip students with a broad perspective on international relations and global challenges. Students will be introduced to a range of career paths, be encouraged to engage more actively in discussions, and learn strong research and comprehension skills. U of W is a great place to take this course as Seattle contributes to the foreign affairs agenda of the US due to its economic and cultural ties and its participation in global initiatives.

Through psychology simulations and hands-on neurology workshops, you will explore the relationships between the brain and human behavior. Whether you are interested in the physical aspect of the brain and central nervous system or more intrigued by human behavior and thought processes, connect with professionals that have a background in both psychology and neuroscience. 

Excursions in Washington – Students may visits to local medical and research facilities in Seattle.