Penn Engineering

K-12 and Outreach

Expanding Access to STEM Education and Opportunities

Penn Engineering is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education. Through hands-on programs and meaningful partnerships, we empower students, educators, and communities to explore the limitless potential of engineering and technology.

Outreach Programs for Students

We offer dynamic outreach programs tailored to engage elementary, middle, and high school students, including:

GRASP Laboratory Initiatives

FIRST LEGO League Competitions: Annual events engaging hundreds of teams from the Philadelphia/Camden region, with mentorship from Penn undergraduates.

Penn Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) Camp

Organized by Advancing Women in Engineering (AWE), this one-week summer program is designed to spark interest in STEM for girls entering grades 7–9, offering hands-on experiences and mentorship.

Women in Computer Science (WICS) High School Day

An annual event introducing high school girls to careers in computer science through interactive sessions led by Penn students and faculty.

NanoDay at Penn

High school students explore nanoscale science and engineering through demonstrations, lab tours, and interactive exhibits.

GRASP National Robotics Week Open House

Showcasing robotics research and innovation, this event attracts over 200 students and educators annually.

Support for Educators

We collaborate with educators to expand access to STEM education:

  • Partnering with local teachers in the Philadelphia School District to enhance STEM curricula, benefiting a student population where over 75% are from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Offering professional development workshops through partnerships with the Netter Center and other Penn institutions.

Community and Equity Initiatives

Penn Engineering emphasizes inclusion and equity in STEM outreach:

Student-Led Clubs

Access Engineering, Girls Who Code, InnoWorks, and Engineers Without Borders run mentoring programs for middle and high school students, fostering skills and confidence in STEM.

Penn Early Exploration Program (PEEP)

Providing high school seniors from low-income or first-generation backgrounds with insights into academic and social life at Penn, helping them envision a path to higher education.

Partnerships for Equity

Collaborating with local organizations to highlight the value of STEM careers, particularly for women and historically underrepresented communities.