Summer Springboard
Engineering: A Project Based Introduction
ON THE CAMPUS OF MIT*
* To maximize the hands-on experience of this academic course (9am – noon), it will be held off the campus of MIT, in the Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA area. Located directly next to the MIT Campus, Kendall Square is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading hubs for technology, research and innovation.
GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING THROUGH HANDS-ON PROJECTS.
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Engineering: A Project Based Introduction @ Cambridge, MA
- Students will explore fundamental concepts in fluid propulsion, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics, robotics, structural integrity, engineering process, controls, and practical operations, culminating in building and operating a SeaPerch aquatic robot.
- Emphasizes independent understanding of physics and mathematics through hands-on creation of useful artifacts.
- Learn from professionals in the field about the latest advancements in engineering and technology.
Summer Springboard
Engineering: A Project Based Introduction
About This Course
A engineering program for teens in Cambridge, MA.
Kevin DiGenova, Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering (Sessions 1 & 2), and Dr. Drew Bennett, (Session 3), join Summer Springboard for Summer 2026 to lead a program tailored for high school students eager to explore multiple aspects of engineering.
This engaging experience has no prerequisites, making it accessible for freshmen while still offering valuable challenges for seniors, as project decisions will influence task complexity. The teaching philosophy encourages students to independently build on their understanding of physics and mathematics through the creation of practical artifacts. There will be an integrated project that weaves together many smaller projects to ultimately build and deploy a SeaPerch aquatic robot.
This course encompasses systems thinking to link physics, structures, fluid dynamics, controls, and electrical power systems. This course promises to ignite students’ passion for engineering and equip them with essential skills for their future academic pursuits.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
This course emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge through real-world engineering projects. By designing, building, and testing their own model aircraft, students gain practical experience that deepens their understanding of physics, mathematics, and engineering concepts. This approach fosters creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills in an engaging, interactive environment.
Career Exploration
Through this course and program, you will get on-site experience and learn from experts in the field. We will gain an understanding of applied problem solving skills that are involved in Engineering. Meet with successful professionals and experts in the fields of engineering and technology to learn more about careers and jobs in this field, and have the opportunity to ask questions and learn firsthand what it’s like to work as an engineer. This insight helps students reflect on which areas within the field of engineering is right for them.
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.
“It was good experience. It had a good balance between academic courses and non-academic activities. It introduced real world problems and events to let the student take into consideration when choosing their major.”
-Noah B. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Engineering: A Project Based Introduction
Meet Your Instructors
Kevin DiGenova is a Lecturer in the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he teaches Measurement and Instrumentation to undergraduates. The course focuses on developing good engineering judgment to execute a real-world project using the fundamentals that students have learned in their previous classes. Kevin brings over 17 years of experience developing complex, inter-disciplinary technologies. His work spans grid-scale flow batteries, robotics, fuel flexibility for gas turbines, organic Rankine cycles, process plant efficiency, and fuel-free compressed air energy storage. Kevin has led systems engineering efforts from initial architecture definition and requirements allocation through integration and verification testing of early commercial units.
Kevin has been closely involved in the development of compliance standards for energy storage systems. He is a member of the Standards Technical Panels for UL 9540, Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, and UL 1973, Batteries for Use in Stationary and Motive Auxiliary Power Applications. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Kyra Holmquest is an experienced Systems Engineer with a background in electrical engineering. She tackles the unique challenges of first-of-a-kind technology by bringing clarity to complex problems and translating scientific findings into practical, engineering solutions. Her systematic approach to early-stage decision making and risk mitigation based on the information at hand minimizes deployment risks, clears up miscommunications, and lowers overall system development cost. Her work spans grid-scale energy storage systems, underwater and UAV robotics, educational robotics, quad and octocopter drones, and high-power CW and pulsed laser systems. She has taught STEM education workshops and is passionate about mentoring interns and junior engineers. Kyra enjoys bringing her experience and systematic problem-solving to new companies, teams, and students to foster technological curiosity and critical thinking. She earned her Master of Engineering from the Cornell in System’s Engineering and her Bachelor’s of Science from Villanova in Electrical Engineering.
Cristina DiGenova is a versatile software engineering leader with 15+ years of experience across biotech, consulting, and education. She is skilled in designing and building scalable applications, mentoring engineers, and analyzing systems and processes. Cristi is enthusiastic about developing user-friendly solutions that support scientific research, automation, and hands-on STEM education, and in applying software and systems knowledge to designing educational platforms, content, and experiences.
Cristi earned a Master of Science at MIT in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering at MIT.
KEVIN DIGENOVA
KYRA HOLMQUEST
CRISTINA DIGENOVA
“My experience was very fun and I loved it. I made great lifelong friends and learned a lot. I would recommend this to anyone who is thinking about it.”
-Shiloh D. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Engineering: A Project Based Introduction
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026 |
| Session 2: July 5 – July 17, 2026 |
| Session 3: July 19 – July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $6,798 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,498 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Cambridge |
| State: Massachusetts |
| Campus: MIT* |
* To maximize the hands-on experience of this academic course (9am – noon), it will be held off the campus of MIT, in the Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA area.
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.