Summer Springboard
Aerospace Engineering
ON THE CAMPUS OF YALE UNIVERSITY
EARN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FLIGHT MECHANICS, EXPLORE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AERONAUTICAL AND ASTRONAUTICAL ENGINEERING, ENGAGE WITH EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD, AND MORE
This course is one week long, and you can extend your experience to as many as six weeks by adding additional one-week courses.
Aerospace Engineering @ Yale University
- Learn the fundamentals of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and aircraft design.
- Compare aeronautical and astronautical engineering using basic orbital mechanics.
- Engage with aerospace professionals and discuss the latest in flight technology.
- Design, build, and test a glider or small rocket to explore flight principles.
- Explore the aerospace industry through company visits and guest speakers of Pratt & Whitney.
- Participate in a comprehensive program hosted on the campus of Yale during summer sessions.
Summer Springboard
Aerospace Engineering
About This Course
Ever wonder how rockets propel themselves into space or how airplanes maintain lift? Both programs dive deep into the physics and orbital mechanics that govern air and spacecraft. Students participate in engaging, hands-on design challenges where they apply these concepts by designing and launching their own glider or rocket.
In addition to classroom learning, students visit local aerospace companies and hear from seasoned industry professionals, including guest speakers from organizations like Pratt and Whitney and Yale Aviation. Please note, the excursions to Pratt & Whitney/Sikorsky Helicopters require proof of U.S. citizenship due to federal contracts.
While prior knowledge of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and physics is recommended or strongly recommended, it is not required, making the program accessible to motivated learners at different levels.
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.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“The program was everything I thought it would be. It’s an experience that will make you feel connected to other people and to the course itself. It makes you become more comfortable with who you are and the things that you’re passionate about. I really enjoyed everything about it.”
-Imani J. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Aerospace Engineering
Meet Your Instructor
Sessions 2 & 6
Lily Behnke is currently a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Yale University. She is originally from Dayton, OH, and previously earned her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Dayton. Her research has explored a diverse range of topics including sustainable aviation fuels, soft robotics, and bulk metallic glass. She is passionate about education and outreach and looks forward to mentoring the next generation of STEM students.
Session 4
Wajid Ali Chishty is a Professor in Residence in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace & Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Connecticut, where he also serves as a Faculty Advisor for Senior Design Capstone Projects and the Formula SAE Club. He brings over three decades of experience spanning academic instruction, aerospace research, and program leadership. His industry career includes more than a decade as Program Director and Group Leader at the National Research Council of Canada’s Aerospace Research Centre, where he led gas turbine and aerospace R&D initiatives earning him national awards for contributions to technology transfer and public service. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, an MSE in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a BE in Aerospace Engineering from NED University. He is a member of ASME’s Combustion and Fuels Committee and has been an active reviewer and technical session organizer for the ASME International Gas Turbine Institute since 2008.
LILY BEHNKE
WAJID ALI CHISHTY
Photo Coming Soon
“Summer Springboard did not only prepare me for a career but also the real world while leaving time to make life long friends and having fun.”
-Addison W. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Aerospace Engineering
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 2: June 21 – June 27, 2026 (Waitlist) |
| Session 4: July 5 – July 11, 2026 |
| Session 6: July 19 – July 25, 2026 (Waitlist) |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition First Week |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $4,298* |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,498* (CLOSED) |
| Course Supplement: $250 |
*Each subsequent week, if combined with other one-week high school courses at Yale or Oxford: Residential Tuition: $3,298, Commuter Tuition: $1,998
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: New Haven |
| State: Connecticut |
| Campus: Yale University |
*Schedule is illustrative and is subject to change. Summer Springboard is operated independently of Yale University and is not sponsored or endorsed by the University. The views expressed in connection with the program are not official positions, statements of advice, nor opinions of Yale University and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Yale of any such views or statements.