Engineering starts with curiosity.
Explore the hands-on programs, campus experiences, and community connections introducing young people to engineering at UC Riverside's Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE).
A place to explore what's possible.
Maybe it begins with building a robot. Or meeting a college student who makes engineering feel within reach. Across the Inland Empire, BCOE connects young learners with opportunities to ask questions, try new skills, and imagine where STEM could take them.
Looking for a program? Start with the options below, then visit each program's website for age requirements, dates, and participation details.
Programs with a lasting connection.
These UCR programs create meaningful paths into science, engineering, and higher education.
MESA
The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Schools Program works with participating Inland Empire schools to support math and science learning, college preparation, and student confidence.
Explore MESA
STRIDE
The Summer Training and Research Inspiration for Diverse Pipeline Engagement toward Advancing Stem Cell Treatment (STRIDE) program introduces Inland Empire high school students to laboratory research and mentorship.
Explore STRIDE
Spend a summer building new skills.
BCOE's focused summer camps give high school students an introduction to engineering and computing through hands-on activities.
AI-Enabled Robotics Summer Camp
Explore robot systems, programming, electronic design, and navigation through guided projects.
About the Robotics CampData Science Summer Camp
Explore Python, data visualization, artificial intelligence, and practical uses of data.
About the Data Science CampCamp offerings are seasonal. The linked pages may show previous session dates; check them for announcements about future opportunities.
Learning doesn't stop in the classroom.
Campus activities, engineering demonstrations, and student-led outreach give younger learners a chance to meet real engineers and see ideas in action.
Explore Outreach EventsMore ways to discover STEM.
Student organizations and regional partners offer additional experiences for students, families, and educators. Availability and registration vary by event.
Bourns Engineering Day
UCR's Society of Women Engineers introduces younger students to engineering through interactive activities and campus experiences.
View SWE EventsSHPE STEM Outreach
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers connects young people and their families with hands-on STEM activities, speakers, and engineering role models.
Explore Student OrganizationsSTEPCon
The Science and Technology Education Partnership brings together students, educators, and industry participants for hands-on STEM experiences and professional connections.
Visit STEPConFIRST LEGO League
An external robotics program where young learners develop design and coding skills through team challenges. Participation is organized separately from BCOE.
Explore FIRST LEGO LeagueQuestions about participating?
Where can I find age requirements, application details, and upcoming dates?
Each program manages its own participation information. Use the program links above to check eligibility and current opportunities. For MESA partnerships with schools, begin with the MESA program website.
Help more students see themselves in engineering.
Are you a teacher, school leader, community organization, or industry partner interested in expanding STEM opportunities? Connect with BCOE to explore ways to get involved.