Technology Inspiration Scholars Program (TISP)
As technology takes on an increasingly critical role in society, we need more engineers to address societal challenges. But, many young people don’t know what engineers are or what they do to improve our quality of life. Through the Technology Inspiration Scholars Program, the Boston University College of Engineering is providing a number of programs aimed informing and nurturing the engineers of tomorrow.
TISP recruits and trains some of Boston University’s most talented engineering majors and sends them to middle and high schools around the country to explain how engineering can transform our lives. TISP Inspiration Ambassadors present interactive, fun activities that frame engineering as essential to our quality of life: from the cleanliness of the water we drink to the distribution of the energy we use to power our homes. Students explore the design process and see themselves as problem solvers, engineers, and future leaders of technological innovation. Inspiration Ambassadors also do math and science study/homework sessions with young students from historically underrepresented groups.
In addition, with Inspiration Ambassadors, BU professors and graduate students offer lab tours to students in our partner schools, giving them insight into college and a closer look at what they can do in engineering.
FIRST® Robotics Mentoring
Inspiration Ambassadors mentor 4th-6th grade youth in the FIRST® Lego League and high school students in the FIRST® Robotics Challenge. The College of Engineering provides some build facilities as well as expertise to mentored teams. Boston University has served as the regional site for the FIRST® Robotics Challenge, which was founded by inventor Dean Kamen, a member of the College of Engineering’s Dean’s Leadership Advisory Board.
U-Design
Each summer, the College of Engineering offers U-Design, a fun STEM program with focus on engineering for children entering grades 7-10. Experienced science and engineering technology teachers lead each U-Design workshop and Boston University Inspiration Ambassadors serve as mentors. Each workshop offers a hands-on experience to give young students the opportunity to learn about engineering and broader STEM concepts. Students use their creativity and apply the engineering design process as they experiment, design, analyze, build and solve challenging problems.
Find more information about U-Design and an application here.
FIRE
The First Inspiration in Research in Engineering (FIRE) Program at Boston University’s College of Engineering ignites passion in high school students through hands-on learning. Guided by expert faculty and PhD students, participants master the MechE design process, biomedical engineering techniques like pipetting and gel preparation, CAD and 3D printing with Onshape, and Arduino programming in C++. With lab tours and a collaborative hackathon tackling real-world challenges, FIRE inspires future engineers.
Learn more at Boston University FIRE Program.
High-school Hackathon
The Boston University Hacks High School (BUHHS), hosted by the TISP, is a dynamic hackathon for 9th-12th graders in the greater Boston area. This summer event builds team unity among diverse students to create innovative solutions to real-world problems. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, learn coding and engineering skills, and compete in teams of up to two, with no prior experience needed. Guided by BU mentors, BUHHS inspires STEM exploration and creativity.
Find more information here.
Near Peer mentoring
The MassRobotics Jumpstart Fellowship Program, launched in 2021, empowers diverse Massachusetts high school girls to pursue robotics careers through a comprehensive summer program. Participants gain hands-on skills in CAD design, 3D modeling, fabrication, electronics, and coding in Python and C++. They build professional networks through mentorship and industry engagement, culminating in paid internships at robotics companies. Weekly sessions, field trips, and networking workshops boost confidence and career readiness. Join this transformative program to shape the future of robotics.
Learn more at MassRobotics Jumpstart Fellowship.
Our Partners
The College has a growing base of support from corporations, foundations, alumni, school systems, and national and local nonprofit and government organizations. These supporters recognize the critical importance of giving engineering students workforce training, and creating opportunities to introduce secondary school students to STEM fields. We welcome new partners who can help us train and hire more Inspiration Ambassadors and reach out to more school-aged children.
Our current partners include:
AMETEK Foundation
Boston Public Schools
Steps to success
MassRobotics
Questions?
Contact Michael Kelly, STEM Outreach Manager at mijkelly@bu.edu