Practical experience is crucial in training engineers to tackle real problems with real-world constraints
and parameters. At Penn State, students gain this experience by working closely with sponsoring companies to
solve challenging problems working in multidisciplinary design teams using extensive fabrication, testing,
and rapid prototyping facilities of the Learning Factory.
Hands-on problem solving teaches students to apply technical knowledge and can prepare them for engineering
careers by exposing them to the technical demands, potential pitfalls, and professional expectations of
practicing engineers.
You can help students learn about the real world, by sponsoring the following types of projects:
- First-Year Projects are sponsored through the Engineering Design Program and offer
hands-on engineering design to first-year students and early interaction with future employees
for companies.
- Senior-Year Design
Projects offer
students the opportunity to get involved in sophisticated engineering design challenges. Participating companies
reap benefits as well, building relationships with students and getting new ideas for real design problems.
- Orientation and Pre-College Camp Design Projects
feed the engineering
pipeline through hands-on engineering projects designed to recruit and retain students underrepresented
in engineering. Companies can make an early impact on participating students by sponsoring and/or designing
activities.