Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI)

Camp is FULL for Summer 2026.

Application is OPEN for Summer 2026. Register Now.

Application is CLOSED for Summer 2026.

This is an INVITE-ONLY camp.

Application is TBA for Summer 2026. Check back soon.

Age Group: 9th - 12th

Cost

Residential: $1,500
Commuter:
Virtual:
Day Camp:

Category: 3-D Sessions

Dates:

July 12 - July 18 (Session 1)
July 26 - August 1 (Session 2)

Residence Hall: Nugent Hall

Scholarships: Yes, see details No

The Illinois Aerospace Institute (IAI) summer camp is a one-week on-campus camp with two session offerings in the summer. Students may attend only one of the offerings. The IAI summer camp is for students entering grades 9-12 who are interested in learning about the field of aerospace engineering through hands-on projects, classroom lesson content, field trips, and guest speakers. The Aerospace Engineering Department prefers the placement of Juniors and Seniors in the on-campus camp.

What You Will Learn:

What is aerospace engineering?

Instructors will present discussions about various topics within the field of aerospace engineering and related to aerospace vehicles. The topics that are covered for IAI include:

Introductions to Aeronautics and Astronautics
Model Glider Design
Model Rocket Design
Aerospace Materials and Structures
Aircraft Flight Mechanics
Aerodynamics and Wind Tunnel Experiments
Orbits and Satellite Design
Space Missions and Discoveries
Rocket Propulsion and Aircraft Propulsion
Aeronautics Computational Design – Excel Based
Astronautics Computational Design – Python Based

Model Workshop

Model workshops are a hands-on learning experience for students. Students will apply their knowledge from the instructors’ presentations, their own experience with craft projects, and their passion for engineering building to design model gliders and model rockets. Each student is provided with materials and builds the models. Students are monitored and assisted by staff, but there is an expectation that students will read and follow the provided model-building instructions and use trial and error to craft their projects.

Contact information for IAI

For more information about IAI enrollment, contact Sarah Schneider, il-aero-inst@Illinois.edu
For more information about IAI content and aerospace engineering curriculum, contact Dr. Elle Wroblewski (they/them/theirs), wroblew3@illinois.edu
If you have questions about your application contact wyse@illinois.edu

The Illinois Aerospace Institute is sponsored by the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois.

Testimonial

IAI Campers working in a lab with a TA to construct models — IAI Campers working with a TA in lab

Staff

Laura Gerhold holds her B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She has been the chief academic advisor and coordinator in support of undergraduate programs in the Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Illinois for multiple years and provides oversight on outreach initiatives.

Sarah Schneider received her undergraduate at Eastern Illinois University in Education and currently teaches kindergarten at Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary in DeKalb. She continues to coordinate and provide day-to-day oversight of the Illinois Aerospace Institute high school summer camps.

Dr. Elle Wroblewski earned their Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They currently teach undergraduate aerospace engineering, perform research with student workers, and lead belonging initiatives. During the summer months, Elle performs educational outreach with high school students.

Heather Arnett holds a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Library and Information Science. She has been a researcher and STEM outreach coordinator for multiple years at the University of Illinois.

Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions