Summer Springboard
Automotive Engineering
ON THE CAMPUS OF UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
ACCELERATE YOUR FUTURE IN AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION WITH A HANDS-ON ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA'S AUTOMOTIVE CAPITAL
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Automotive Engineering @ University of Michigan
- Develop an understanding of fundamentals of automotive projects, from concept to creation, using cutting-edge tools.
- Collaborate with other students on design projects that challenge your problem-solving skills and creativity.
- Gain hands-on experience by designing and constructing miniature vehicle that meets specific performance criteria, applying principles of engineering and physics.
- Explore the wide-ranging applications of automotive engineering across various industries.
- Discover a wide range of career options within the automotive engineering field and explore the impact of this profession on various industries.
- Visit engineering labs and engage with simulations that highlight the future of automotive design.
Summer Springboard
Automotive Engineering
About This Course
A automotive engineering program for teens on a university campus in Ann Arbor
Dive into the exciting world of automotive engineering in the heart of America’s auto industry. Join our two-week program at the University of Michigan, home to one of the nation’s top automotive engineering programs, where you’ll explore the design, development, and production of vehicles. Using cutting-edge technologies such as self-driving systems and aerospace-inspired design, students will gain hands-on experience with cross-disciplinary concepts in mechanical and electrical engineering. From building a functional engine model to visiting state-of-the-art labs, including the Ford Robotics Building, this program offers a deep dive into the future of vehicle technology.
Throughout the program, students will collaborate in teams to design and build miniature vehicles that meet specific performance goals, applying principles of engineering and physics to tackle real-world challenges. They’ll also explore career opportunities in electric vehicles and digital innovation through interactive simulations, while gaining insight from professionals in mechanical, robotics, and automotive engineering. Whether you’re passionate about cars, robotics, or sustainable transportation, this program is your gateway into a thriving and ever-evolving industry.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Students will engage in hands-on learning by building a functional engine model and working in teams to design and construct miniature vehicles that meet specific performance goals. Through these interactive projects, they’ll apply core principles of engineering and physics, use cutting-edge tools, and gain practical experience that mirrors real-world automotive challenges.
Career Exploration
Students will discover diverse pathways in the automotive industry, including roles in electric vehicle development, robotics, and digital technology. They’ll hear directly from industry professionals—mechanical, robotics, and automotive engineers—while participating in immersive simulations that showcase emerging technologies and future job opportunities.
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.
“Summer Springboard has been an amazing experience that has given me a great opportunity to grow mentally, socially, and has allowed me to determine what path to take in the future. Summer Springboard is a great way to not only prepare you for the future, but also allow you to enjoy the present. It was a fun and engaging learning experience.”
-Sam B. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Automotive Engineering
Meet Your Instructor
Art Hyde is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he brings more than forty years of industry experience into the classroom. He teaches courses on Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics, and Design. Before transitioning to academia, Art worked at Ford Motor Company, serving in various high-impact roles. Most notably, Art served as the Chief Engineer for two generations of the Ford Mustang, an achievement that earned him induction into two different Mustang Halls of Fame. He served as the lead Chief Engineer of the Global Product Development System (GPDS), the foundational architecture still used today to design and develop new vehicles and technologies across Ford’s nine engineering centers worldwide.
Art earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.B.A. from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. By combining his expertise with a master-level understanding of the global automotive business, Art provides his students with an unparalleled look at what it takes to lead the next generation of transportation innovation.
ART HYDE
“This was incredible. I wasn’t expecting to make friends or learn as much as I did but these have been some of the best two weeks of my life!”
-John W. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Automotive Engineering
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
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| Session 1: July 19 – July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
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| Residential Tuition: $5,698 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
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| City: Ann Arbor |
| State: Michigan |
| Campus: University of Michigan |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.