Purdue ME Summer Projects 2021

Is it still tough to find an internship or co-op because of COVID?  Join an ME Summer Project Team!

Join a team of 2-6 students, and work with a faculty or staff mentor on real-world engineering projects. Earn a $1,000 stipend at the completion of the project!

  • Open to all Purdue ME undergraduate students, including current international students
  • June 1 - August 6, 2021 (10 week Program)
  • 20 hours/week commitment
  • Work remotely or on-campus

How does it work?

1. Review this list of available projects:

2. Determine how you would like to participate:

  • Participate without class credit (no enrollment or tuition) and receive $1,000 stipend at completion
    OR
  • Participate for class credit; enroll in 3-credit project course (ME 496 or ME 297); summer tuition applies; no stipend

3. Click here to apply! Deadline is Sunday, April 4.


Why should I participate in a Purdue ME Summer Project?

  • Build your resume
  • Solve real-world engineering problems (not busy work!)
  • Participate in cutting-edge research
  • Grow your leadership and teamwork skills
  • Earn $1000 stipend at the completion of the program
  • Do something productive with your summer!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should I apply?  Application opens Monday, March 15.  Apply early!  Your top choice projects may fill up quickly, likely before the Sunday, April 4 application deadline.  Project supervisors will begin reviewing applications on Monday, March 22.  Rolling admissions will begin Friday, March 26.  Apply early!
  • Can FYE students transitioning to Purdue ME apply? Yes
  • Can Purdue ME students graduating in May 2021 apply? Yes, graduating domestic students may apply.  Unfortunately, graduating international students cannot apply due to VISA related issues.
  • Can Purdue students outside ME apply? No
  • Must I use my purdue.edu email to apply? Yes
  • How many projects can I apply for?  Up to 3
  • Can I accept more than one project offer? No
  • Is the acceptance of a project offer binding? Yes!  If you accept an offer, you are expected to honor your commitment to your project team.  Expectation is for ~20 hours/week, for the 10 week timeline of June 1 to August 6.
  • How long do I have to accept or decline a project offer?  Please accept or decline your project offer(s) within 5 calendar days from the offer date.
  • I am a ME GEARE student.  Will participation in a ME Summer Project meet the requirements for my international or domestic intern/research experience?  Yes
  • What’s the deadline to enroll in a ME project course for credit? Monday, May 31
  • Which project course should I enroll in? Please consult your ME academic advisor to determine if you should enroll in ME 496 or ME 297.
  • Can I change my mind on stipend vs. credit after I apply? No

2020 Participant Stats

  • 303 applications (not including interested Purdue students in other engineering disciplines as well as ME students from universities around the country, from Iowa to Georgia to Connecticut)
  • 169 Purdue ME students on 37 projects led by ME faculty and staff (32 faculty, 5 staff)
  • Demographics: 22% female, 31% international
  • Class standing: 15% sophomore, 36% junior, 43% senior, 5% grad
  • Co-Op/GEARE: 27% active Co-op or GEARE students
  • Credit/Stipend: 10% credit, 90% stipend ($1000) (primarily funded by alumni donations)

Click here to see what students did with their Summer Projects in 2​020!

 

Program questions?  Julia King: juliaking@purdue.edu

Research questions?  Song Zhang: zhan2053@purdue.edu