Aerospace Engineering at UCLA

Learn the fundamentals of flight mechanics, explore the differences between aeronautical and astronautical engineering, engage with experienced professionals in the field, and more.

Summer Aerospace Engineering program for teens in Los Angeles

Program Highlights

Learn the fundamentals of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, aircraft design, and more.
Understand the key differences between aeronautical and astronautical engineering and use basic orbital mechanics.
Engage with professionals in the field about the latest advancements in aerospace engineering and flight technology.
Design and manipulate your own basic glider airplane or rocket to test certain flight maneuvers/concepts, and perform within certain parameters.
Tuition:

Residential Tuition :
$5,998

Commuter Tuition:
$3,198

Dates:

Session 1:
June 23, 2024 July 5, 2024

Session 2:
July 7, 2024 July 19, 2024

Location:

UCLA
Los Angeles, CA

Testimonials

  • It was nice to have an actual engineer as the instructor of the course who had been on the job for most of his life.

    Griffin H.

  • I enjoyed the real world insight from the field trips. We went to a construction site and Autodesk Gallery to learn about the mechanics of machines and buildings.

    James L.

Course Overview

“With companies like Boeing, SpaceX, Relativity Space, The Aerospace Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory – to name a few – located nearby, there’s no better place to launch into the field of Aerospace Engineering than with Summer Springboard in Los Angeles this summer. Throughout the course, students will explore and unpack various asepcts of aerosapce engineering, including the history of flight, flights mechanics, system engineering, principles of effective design for aircraft and spacecraft, propiulsions systems, aircraft performace, 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. In the past, students have heard from guest speakers affiliated with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, The Aerospace Corporation, and more.

 

Note: Excursions to local aerospace companies will require proof of U.S. Citizenship due to contracts those companies hold with the federal government.

Meet your instructor

Dr. Fabio Bendana

Aerospace Engineering UCLA

Dr. Fabio Bendana is a research scientist within the Propulsion Science department at The Aerospace Corporation. His primary role is to lead research, development, and testing efforts related to the advancement and application of chemical propulsion technology in support of national security and civil space programs.

Learn more

Topics you'll explore

Hands-On Learning


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.

Career Exploration


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. In the past, students have heard from guest speakers affiliated with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, The Aerospace Corporation, and more.

Note: Excursions to local aerospace companies will require proof of U.S. Citizenship due to contracts those companies hold with the federal government.

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Summer Springboard Pre-College Summer Program