Explore Engineering Innovation

Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) is an exciting, college-level, summer program for motivated high school students with an aptitude in math and science and curiosity about engineering. During this Johns Hopkins University three-credit course, you will complete activities in civil, chemical, electrical/computer, mechanical engineering, and materials science.

Working in small teams, you will test the material properties of spaghetti, design and construct a structurally stable bridge, link concepts of heat transfer and chemical reactions to a small bioreactor, create an electronic device to improve the well-being of the user, and prepare a short presentation to pitch your idea to others in your class.

Along the way, your confidence will grow as you attend college-level lectures, solve problems, test theories, and ultimately learn to think like an engineer.

Curious about what’s covered?
You can review past syllabi for detailed information about course content, labs, grading, and more.

Eligibility

Academic Prerequisites

• As and Bs in your high school math and science classes
• Completed Algebra II
• Completed a course where the trigonometric functions are taught. You must be able to use sine, cosine, tangent, and the Pythagorean Theorem to determine angles and side lengths for right angle triangles.
• Completed a full year of high school chemistry and/or physics, including a lab. Many students feel that knowledge of physics is particularly helpful for the course.

Grade Level Eligibility

You must be a current high school student or recent high school graduate. Our typical student is a rising junior (~35%) or senior (~65%) in high school. Talented ninth-graders (rising sophomores) may be considered; however, when space is limited, priority will be given to older students. Graduated seniors are also eligible to participate during the summer before they begin their college career. 

Residential Program Age Requirements

For 2026, students participating in a residential program must have been born between July 25, 2008, and June 28, 2011.; they must be at least 15 years of age on move-in day and no older than 17 years of age on the last day of the program. We cannot accept students who turn 18 before the final day of the course to a residential program. You must be under 18 years of age to live in the residence hall.

Compare Program Formats

📌 Note: Costs vary by program format and location. Please visit our Cost & Aid page for full details and information about financial aid.

Program Type	dates	location	class times
In-Person Commuter	June 29 – July 24, 2026	Offered in several U.S. cities (locations vary by year)	9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., in the time zone of the program location,M–F
In-Person Residential	June 29 – July 24, 2026 Move-in: June 28	Two residential campuses	9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET, M–F
Hybrid Commuter	Two sessions: • Session 1: TBD • Session 2: TBD 2 weeks online, then 2 weeks in person	Online + JHU Homewood campus	Online: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET (first 2 weeks), M–F In-person: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET (last 2 weeks), M-F
Hybrid Residential	Two sessions: • Session 1: TBD • Session 2: TBD 2 weeks online, then 2 weeks in person	Online + JHU Homewood campus	Online: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET (first 2 weeks), M-F In-person: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET (last 2 weeks), M-F
Online Only	June TBD	Online only	Choose one schedule (all in ET and  M-F): • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

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In-Person Commuter

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In-Person Residential

Cost & Aid
Find full tuition details and information about financial aid on our Cost & Aid page.

Course Content
Curious about what’s covered? Explore past syllabi for detailed information on course objectives, schedule, labs, grading, and more.

Time Commitment
EEI is an intensive, college-level course. In-person students—whether commuter or residential—should plan to spend approximately 38 hours per week on class and coursework. The same material that spans 16 weeks for Johns Hopkins first-year engineering students is completed in just 4 weeks during the summer. We strongly discourage students from enrolling in other courses or taking on major time commitments (jobs, internships, sports, etc.) while enrolled in EEI. Commuter students may have more scheduling flexibility, but the academic demands remain the same.

Homework
Expect up to two hours of homework each evening after class.

Health Requirements
All in-person students, residential and commuter, must have health insurance. For more details, see our Policies & Services page.

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Hybrid Commuter

Hybrid Commuter Opportunities
Enjoy the in-person part of your session as a commuter student at the JHU Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more about the Hybrid Commuter program.

Cost & Aid
Find full tuition details and information about financial aid on our Cost & Aid page.

Course Content
Curious about what’s covered? Explore past syllabi for detailed information on course objectives, schedule, labs, grading, and more.

Time Commitment
The EEI Hybrid course is a fast-paced, college-level program that requires you to commit approximately 38 hours per week for four weeks. It uses the same curriculum as a course that first-year engineering students at Johns Hopkins University take over the full fall semester. Pre-college students complete the same material in just four weeks. We strongly discourage you from taking additional courses while enrolled in EEI and recommend you carefully consider other commitments—such as jobs, internships, other courses, or sports—before enrolling.

Homework
Expect up to two hours of homework each evening after class.

Health Requirements
All in-person students, residential and commuter, must have health insurance. For more details, see our Policies & Services page.

Computer Requirements for the Online Portion
As a student enrolled in Explore Engineering Innovation Hybrid, you will need a computer to access the course materials, which are found both in MS Teams and on the Canvas learning management system.

Canvas works best with Firefox or Chrome web browsers. You should install the most recent version of either browser and may want to enable third-party cookies for the best experience. MS Teams is a cloud-based application that you will access using the JHU login credentials provided when you accept your offer of admission.

Additionally, your computer should have:

• The ability to record video of course projects and upload the footage to Canvas or MS Teams

• A USB port to communicate with an Adafruit Circuit Playground Express microcontroller

• Reliable internet access

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Hybrid Residential

 

Hybrid Residential Opportunities
Enjoy the in-person portion of your session as a hybrid residential student at the JHU Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more about the Hybrid Residential program.

Cost & Aid
Find full tuition details and information about financial aid on our Cost & Aid page.

Course Content
Curious about what’s covered? Explore past syllabi for detailed information on course objectives, schedule, labs, grading, and more.

Time Commitment
The EEI Hybrid course is a fast-paced, college-level program that requires you to commit approximately 38 hours per week for four weeks. It uses the same curriculum as a course that first-year engineering students at Johns Hopkins University take over the full fall semester. Pre-college students complete the same material in just four weeks. We strongly discourage you from taking additional courses while enrolled in EEI and recommend you carefully consider other commitments—such as jobs, internships, other courses, or sports—before enrolling.

Homework
Expect up to two hours of homework each evening after class.

Health Requirements
All in-person students, residential and commuter, must have health insurance. For more details, see our Policies & Services page.

Computer Requirements for the Online Portion
As a student enrolled in Explore Engineering Innovation Hybrid, you will need a computer to access the course materials, which are found both in MS Teams and on the Canvas learning management system.

Canvas works best with Firefox or Chrome web browsers. You should install the most recent version of either browser and may want to enable third-party cookies for the best experience. MS Teams is a cloud-based application that you will access using the JHU login credentials provided when you accept your offer of admission.

Additionally, your computer should have:

• The ability to record video of course projects and upload the footage to Canvas or MS Teams

• A USB port to communicate with an Adafruit Circuit Playground Express microcontroller

• Reliable internet access

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Online

Synchronous Class Options
EEI Online is a live (synchronous) course. Students must attend a three-hour virtual class every weekday (Monday to Friday). When you enroll, you’ll choose one of these time slots (Eastern Time):

• 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

• 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

• 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET

Cost & Aid
Visit our Cost & Aid page for complete tuition details and information about financial aid.

Course Content
Curious about what’s covered? Explore past syllabi for detailed information on course objectives, schedule, labs, grading, and more.

Time Commitment for EEI Online Students
EEI is a college-level course requiring you to commit approximately 28 hours per week in the online format. It is offered to first-year engineering students at Johns Hopkins University over a 16-week fall semester, while pre-college students complete the same material in just five weeks online. We strongly discourage students from taking other courses while enrolled in EEI. While commuter and online formats offer more flexibility than residential, you should still carefully consider other commitments—such as jobs, internships, other courses, or sports—before enrolling.

Weekly Breakdown

• 1 hour – Independent Study: Watch pre-recorded lectures or review brief reading assignments introducing new content.

• 15 hours – Virtual Class Meetings: Participate in a three-hour live video class each weekday (Monday through Friday).

• 7.5 hours – Homework: Complete individual assignments to demonstrate your understanding of the material.

Computer Requirements
As an EEI Online student, you will need a computer to access course materials in MS Teams and on the Canvas learning management system. Canvas works best with Firefox or Chrome, and enabling third-party cookies may improve your experience. MS Teams is a cloud-based application accessed with JHU login credentials you will receive after accepting admission.

Your computer should also have:

• The ability to record video of course projects and upload footage to Canvas or MS Teams

• A USB port to connect with an Adafruit Circuit Playground Express microcontroller

• Reliable internet access

Required Lab Supplies
Information on ordering the required lab supplies from our official vendor will be provided when you receive your offer of admission. Please see the Cost & Aid page for lab kit fees. Shipping fees and U.S. sales tax will be added at checkout.

International Students
Students outside the United States are responsible for any taxes, tariffs, or duties charged by customs, in addition to international shipping fees. Expect international shipping to take two weeks, though it may be longer if delayed in customs. Use the tracking information provided by the vendor to determine if you need to pick up your package from customs or the shipping company.