SYP 2026 Pathway Programs applications are now open!
What is a Pathway Program?
Pathway Programs bring together talented, motivated students from across the country and around the world for an unforgettable, in-depth learning experience. These selective programs offer participants the chance to explore potential career paths, collaborate with peers, build critical personal and professional skills, and engage with Michigan Tech faculty and industry professionals.
Applications must be completed by 2/15/2026 in order to be considered in our first round of selections. Applications completed after this date will be considered as space allows.
For selected students, a Pathway Program fee (which varies by program) is due within 10 days of acceptance and covers program tuition, room, and board. Be sure to review the details for your specific program, as several Pathway Programs are offered at no cost thanks to generous corporate and sponsored partnerships.
Pathways in Engineering
For: All students grades 9-11
Dates: June 21 - 26, 2026
The Engineering Scholars Program (ESP) provides an opportunity for students to investigate
careers in engineering and science. You will participate in engineering sessions,
group projects, and special topic presentations with a diverse group of peers from
all over the country and around the world. ESP provides a week-long look at engineering
careers in areas like Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering,
Electrical & Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geohazards Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Robotics Engineering. Students will:
- Explore engineering through hands-on, project based learning in two fields of their choice.
- Get inside info from role models working in engineering fields.
- Work in teams for project based learning in our Applied Project Sessions.
- Enjoy team competitions, develop critical interpersonal skills, and enjoy outdoor activities in Michigan's beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula.
**This application requires submission of Supplemental Documents.
For: All students grades 9-11
Dates: June 21 - 26, 2026
The Women in Engineering (WIE) provides an opportunity for students to investigate careers in engineering and science. You will participate in engineering sessions, group projects, and special topic presentations with a diverse group of peers from all over the country and around the world. WIE provides a week-long look at engineering careers in areas like Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geohazards Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Robotics Engineering. Students will:
- Explore engineering through hands-on, project based learning in two fields of their choice.
- Get inside info from role models working in engineering fields.
- Work in teams for project based learning in our Applied Project Sessions.
- Enjoy team competitions, develop critical interpersonal skills, and enjoy outdoor activities in Michigan's beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula.
All students may apply; the focus of the program is on advancing young women in engineering
careers.
**This application requires submission of Supplemental Documents.
For: All students grades 9-11
Dates: June 21 - 26, 2026
This program is available at no cost thanks to sponsorship from our partners.
Railroads, the high tech and environmentally sensitive transportation mode! Don't believe us? Come and learn why railroads remain the most energy-efficient transportation mode and what forms modern railroad track, equipment, and communications/control systems might take. Learn how rail compares with other modes and leads the charge in reducing transportation greenhouse gas emissions! Find out how it all works through engaging sessions, hands-on activities, and plenty of field visits to railroad facilities.
**This application requires submission of Supplemental Documents.
For: All students grades 9-11
Dates: June 14 - 19, 2026
This program has 10 seats sponsored in full thanks to sponsorship by Atwell LLC
Love being outdoors and solving real-world problems? In this field-based program, you’ll explore how engineers use advanced tools—from drones and GPS to high-tech surveying instruments—to map wetlands, forests, and coastlines across the Keweenaw Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll collect and analyze data, create detailed maps, and see how geospatial engineering helps protect wildlife habitats, guide sustainable development, and shape the world around us. Build both your technical and problem-solving skills while discovering how engineering and environmental science come together in this growing field.
**This application requires submission of Supplemental Documents.
For: All students grades 9-11
Dates: Session 1 — June 21 - 26, 2026
Session 2 — July 12 - 17, 2026
This program is available at no cost, including round trip transportation on the SYP
Charter Bus thanks to sponsorship from the IACMI - METAL program.
Step into the fascinating world of metallurgy and metal manufacturing with Michigan
Technological University’s Materials Science and Engineering Department! This hands-on,
weeklong session supported by the IACMI Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship
& Learning (METAL) program, explores the art and science behind metal casting and
forging. Designed for high school students enthusiastic about innovation and creation,
this camp blends cutting-edge technology with the timeless art of metalworking. By
the end of the week, you'll gain valuable skills in design, engineering, and metalworking,
while walking away with a one-of-a-kind product, a unique experience, and unforgettable
memories.
This program requires participants to verify that they have valid U.S. Citizenship.
**This application requires submission of Supplemental Documents.
For: All students grades 6-8
Dates: JWIE I — June 14 - 19, 2026
JWIE II — June 21 - 26, 2026
Junior Women in Engineering provides an opportunity to discover mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, and environmental engineering through projects and trips throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. Dive head first into the world of engineering to design, build, and test solutions to a wide range of engineering problems. Sponsored by ITC Holdings Corp.
All students may apply; the focus of the program is on advancing young women in engineering careers.
**This application requires submission of Supplemental Documents.
Pathways in Computing
For: All students grades 9-11
Dates: June 28 - July 2, 2026
Women in Computer Science (WICS) is a week-long discovery of this fascinating field which is now an integral part of all aspects of our lives. We’ll explore various subfields of computer science including software development, artificial intelligence, data science, human-computer interaction, and security. Learn about the many career opportunities in computing in a wide range of industries.
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Spend time with other smart, dedicated students interested in computing.
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Work in teams to complete a group project.
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Learn about the many career opportunities in computing and the excellent job prospects in a wide range of industries.
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Get first hand accounts of the diverse careers in computing from alums
All students may apply; the focus of the program is on advancing young women in computing careers.
**This application requires submission of Supplemental Documents.
*Some Pathway programs have variable registration fees. Please see detailed information about each program under its slider above and look for information regarding scholarships to your Pathway Program in your acceptance email.