Women in Engineering Summer Program (WIESP)

The Women in Engineering Summer Program (WIESP) at the University of Illinois Chicago is a free summer engineering program for high school students offered by UIC's Women in Engineering Programs. It is a three-week, non-residential program, so students do not live on campus. Participants learn about engineering through hands-on projects and visits to corporate partners. The program is sponsored by Knowles Corporation, Motorola Solutions, and the National Science Foundation. In 2026, students explored Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering through projects and challenges designed by UIC faculty and instructors. Students also get to work with professors, meet current engineering students, and earn a stipend after successfully completing the program. The 2026 program ran from June 13 to July 8, 2026, starting with an orientation for students and parents on June 13.

To be eligible for 2026, students had to be in 11th or 12th grade by fall 2026, hold an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher, earn As and Bs in math and science classes, and be active in a STEM club or organization. No prior engineering experience is required. Applicants submitted an online application with transcripts, plus a recommendation form from a math or science teacher or a high school counselor.