Hands working on small lego robot

FAQ

What is Girls in Engineering?

Girls in Engineering is a 5-day, non-residential program at UC Santa Cruz and is a female-focused learning environment designed to broaden interest in computer science and engineering through fun, hands-on projects. The program’s hands-on activities include using the Scratch programming environment to create 2D games and animations, programming Sphero robots using smartphones, and using Lego-NXT to build microprocessor based robots and interactive art pieces, among other things. The week includes tours of the Baskin Engineering labs from Bioengineering to Digital Games. The program enables young minds to imagine themselves as future computer scientists and engineers and encourages achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

When is the program?

The Girls in Engineering summer camp is held annually in July. These three one-week sessions takes place from Monday to Friday.

What does a typical day at GIE look like?

9 AM – 10 AM: Welcome and interactive learning activity to start the day
10 AM – Noon: Project work
Noon – 1 PM: Lunch in a UC Santa Cruz Dining hall
1 PM – 3 PM: Afternoon project work and wrap up for the day

Every Friday GIE welcomes all participant parents to attend the project showcase where GIE participants demonstrate the projects they worked on for the week, and celebrate their achievements.

Two students in front of their Lego robot

Who is eligible to apply to Girls in Engineering?

Girls in Engineering is a female-focused learning environment. Middle School female/identified students in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties (Middle School = 6th/rising 7th; 7th/rising 8th; 8th/rising 9th graders) are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students currently enrolled in Algebra I or grade level Common Core math.

Girls in Engineering students visit the Google campus

How do I apply to Girls in Engineering?

Applications are available online. There is also a paper application (en Español) form available. Students also need to get one recommendation from a math or science teacher. The completed electronic application, along with teacher recommendations, are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots in the program are filled. If you choose to use the printed application, you can mail it to the address listed on the application or scan it and email it to girlsine@ucsc.edu.

What is the selection process?

Admission is based on academic achievement in mathematics, a teacher recommendation, and interest and motivation to learn about computer science and engineering as demonstrated in the student’s Statement of Interest in the application. Admission is competitive; 24 students will be accepted into each of the four sessions.

How much does it cost to attend Girls in Engineering?

There is no application fee or cost to attend the program. Free bus transportation is provided from the Salinas/Watsonville area. Bus schedule and stop locations will be determined after the application closes, and attendees will be notified.

Last modified: Dec 16, 2024