Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP)

STEP student interns STEP in the news

Discover your future at STEP: the ultimate summer camp for aspiring engineers

Ready to turn your passion for innovation into the foundation of an extraordinary career? Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP) is more than just a summer camp — it’s a gateway to the world of engineering excellence. Join like-minded high school students from across the nation for hands-on projects, expert mentorship and unforgettable experiences that will inspire your potential and shape your future.

Dream big. Build bigger. Take your first step with STEP!

Explore engineering at Purdue University

Since 1985, STEP has offered a unique, weeklong summer residential program for rising high school seniors. STEP provides an exciting opportunity to dive into various engineering disciplines through hands-on learning, teamwork and innovative challenges.

Why choose STEP?

Learn core engineering skills: Explore design principles, teamwork, physics, programming, 3D modeling and robotics in an interactive learning environment. Build your creativity, communication, design and analytical modeling skills.
Team-based challenges: Collaborate with peers to tackle exciting design challenges, culminating in a final design competition.
Expert guidance: Learn from staff and current engineering honors students.
Fun beyond the classroom: Enjoy Purdue traditions, exploring campus, a scavenger hunt, a movie night and more!

STEP offers a perfect balance of academic and social activities!

What to expect

Engineering = Teamwork + Creativity + Real-World Problem Solving

Interactive learning: Experience collaborative classroom sessions and apply theoretical concepts to practical challenges.
Skill development: Build creativity, communication, design, and analytical modeling skills.
Teamwork: Work in groups of four throughout the program to tackle exciting design challenges.
Discipline tour: Explore two Engineering disciplines through guided facility tours.
Career exploration: The Office of Future Engineering presents a career engagement activity.

Fun Beyond the Classroom

Fountain runs
Exploring campus
Scavenger hunt
Movie night

STEP offers a perfect balance of academic and social activities!

2026 program information

Session location and dates

All sessions are located at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana

Session 1: July 5-11
Session 2: July 12-18
Session 3: July 19-25
Session 4: July 26-Aug. 1

What's included

Program activities
Housing in premier residence halls
Meals in one of Purdue's dining courts
Local transportation during the program

Housing and meals

Stay in suite-style, air-conditioned residence halls with another STEP participant.
Residential staff interns ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Linens, towels and laundry services are provided.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in one of Purdue’s dining courts. Dietary restrictions are accommodated.

Transportation

Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana).
Local shuttle services are available to/from Indianapolis and Chicago airports. These services are your responsibility.
All STEP-related travel during the program is provided.

STEP schedule

STEP information packet

STEP parking map

STEP application process

Registration for 2026 has closed.

Who should apply

Open to rising high school seniors (Class of 2027).
Recommended: Completion of three years of high school math and one year of chemistry or physics by summer 2026.

Application details

Applications are accepted until all spots are filled. Once full, qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list. A complete application includes your standardized test scores (PSAT, SAT, or ACT) along with an official/unofficial transcript. Your application will not be reviewed until this information is fully completed.

Attendance Fee: $2,500
Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are available. Contact the College of Engineering Honors Program, step@purdue.edu, after being accepted into the program. Scholarships are awarded on an individual, first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been fully dispersed.
Notification: You’ll be informed of your application status via email after all components are submitted and reviewed.

STEP is a transformative experience designed to inspire and challenge future engineers. Apply today to take your first step toward a brighter future in engineering!

Registration information contact

College of Engineering Honors Program
Purdue University Lambertus Hall
363 North Grant Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2022
Phone: 765-494-7217
E-mail: step@purdue.edu