Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP)
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? STEP (Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects) is more than just a summer camp—it’s your 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, the Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects (STEP) has offered a unique, week-long 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.
- Team-Based Challenges: Collaborate with peers to tackle real-world problems, culminating in a final design competition.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from staff and current engineering honors students.
- Exclusive Discipline Tours: Visit two engineering disciplines and connect with faculty and current students.
- Industry Exposure: Tour an engineering company to see innovation in action.
- Fun Activities: Enjoy Purdue traditions, campus scavenger hunt, movie night, and more!
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 Exploration: Choose two engineering disciplines to explore through guided facility tours.
- Industry Insight: Visit a local engineering company for real-world exposure.
Fun Beyond the Classroom
- Fountain runs
- Exploring campus
- Scavenger hunt
- Movie night
STEP offers a perfect balance of academic and social activities!
Who Should Apply?
- Open to rising high school seniors (Class of 2026).
- Recommended: Completion of three years of high school math and one year of chemistry or physics by summer 2025.
2025 Dates
Session 1: July 6 to July 12
Session 2: July 13 to July 19
Session 3: July 20 to July 26
Session 4: July 27 to August 2
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN campus
What’s Included
- Program activities
- Housing in premier residence halls
- Meals in one Purdue's dining courts
- Local transportation during program
Housing & Meals
Stay in suite-style, air-conditioned residence halls with another STEP participant of the same gender.
- Residential staff interns ensure a safe and supportive environment.
- Linens, towels, and laundry services are provided.
Dining
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.
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.
🗓APPLICATION IS OPEN!
Attendance Fee: $2,500
*Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are available. Contact the College of Engineering Honors Program, step@purdue.edu after being accepted in the program.
📧 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!
College of Engineering Honors Program
Purdue University
Lambertus Hall
363 North Grant Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2022
Phone: +1 (765) 494-7217
E-mail: step@purdue.edu