The Grainger College of Engineering
Aerospace Engineering

Outreach

Aerospace Engineering Programs/Activities

Illinois Space Grant Consortium (ISGC)

ISGC group at airport hanger
ISGC group at airport hanger

As part of NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, ISGC continually strives to positively influence and support students in the pursuit of space sciences and aerospace engineering careers. The Consortium consists of ten academic institutions and two science centers in the State of Illinois. ISGC conducts programs in the areas of pre-college education, higher education, research infrastructure, outreach and informal education, seed grants, scholarships and fellowships.

Learn more about ISGC
 

Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI)

Students with airplane models
Students with airplane models
The Illinois Aerospace Institute summer camp is a one-week residential program for students entering grades 9-12 who are interested in learning about the fields of aerospace engineering and aviation. Participants will learn about a variety of topics regarding aerospace engineering through classroom sessions, laboratories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

 

Learn More About IAI
 

Illinois Space Day

ISD volunteers for event
ISD volunteers for event

Hosted by the Illinois Space Society (ISS) student organization, Illinois Space Day promotes space exploration, technology, and advancement, and focuses on the importance of space, its effects on day-to-day lives, and all of the achievements possible in space-related fields. ISS hopes to inspire the next generation of astronauts, engineers, physicists, astronomers, scientists, and space enthusiasts. Guests are guided through exhibits and lab tours.

Learn More About Illinois Space Day
 

External Activities

Students at a summer camp building model rockets and gliders
Students at a summer camp building model rockets and gliders

Illinois Aerospace Institute Summer Camp
The Department of Aerospace Engineering offers an intensive introduction to aerospace engineering to high school students in its summer camps. Students receive instruction in a wide range of aerospace topics. They also participate in model workshops for hands-on learning experience. Students apply their knowledge from the instructors’ presentations and design model gliders and egg-drop landers. Each student is provided with materials and, with online assistance from the staff, builds the models. 

Engineers Aiming for Gender Equity & Representation  (EAGER)
EAGER camps are mission-driven camp sessions led by Engineers Aiming for Gender Equity & Representation in STEM majors and careers. These camps focus on support and empowerment of traditionally excluded populations in STEM. The camps provide a safe environment to build a community of peers and mentors who empower one another to be confident in their exploration of STEM. All are welcome to apply. 

Engineering Open House
One of the largest student-run science fairs in the country, Engineering Open House showcases what engineering students do. Students help visitors see how engineering plays a role in everyday life and how engineering will shape the future.

Exploring Your Options
Exploring Your Options (EYO) is a week-long residential program that introduces high school rising juniors and seniors to the field of engineering. EYO is held at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Participants will interact with engineering students and faculty members, plan and build a project, and engage in hands-on activities prepared by departments within The Grainger College of Engineering.