EPIC 2026
When applying, students may select more than one session/week (High School program only). However, students will only be admitted for one week.
2026 Engineering Topics
Students are placed in "tracks" consisting of 2-4 labs. We try our best to provide students with a schedule that best matches the fields of engineering they state they are interested in learning about on their EPIC application. See the corresponding session tab for a list of labs being offered.
Participating students will learn about the following fields of engineering throughout the week, regardless of the track they enroll in, through guest speakers, Cal Poly engineering student panel, the engineering major fair, and their engineering counselors.
| AERO | Aerospace Engineering |
| ARCE | Architectural Engineering |
| BMED | BioMedical Engineering |
| BRAE | BioResource and Agricultural Engineering |
| CE | Civil Engineering |
| CPE | Computer Engineering |
| CSC | Computer Science Engineering |
| EE | Electrical Engineering |
| ENVE | Environmental Engineering |
| GENE | General Engineering |
| IE | Industrial Engineering |
| MATE | Materials Engineering |
| ME | Mechanical Engineering |
| MNFG | Manufacturing Engineering |
| SW | Software Engineering |
Deadlines
January 5, 2026 - Online application opens
February 6, 2026 - Early admission application closes
March 31, 2026 - Early admission decision notifications go out. Online application closes.
April 10, 2026 - Early admission offer acceptance or decline
April 17, 2026 - Regular admission decision notifications go out
May 1, 2026 - Regular admission offer acceptance or decline
May 8, 2026 – Waitlist status notifications go out
May 15, 2026 All required material must be electronically signed and submitted
Who can apply
EPIC is open to all current 6th-11th graders. The program’s primary goals are to attract more female, first-generation, and low-income students to the field of engineering and inspire them to choose it as a career path. However, ALL students are welcome to apply regardless of background. Acceptance into EPIC is based on your essay and an indication (from your GPA, the classes you have taken, extracurricular activities, etc.) that you have applied yourself to your studies. The EPIC program does its best to determine which students will gain the most from the program.
How to apply
The application for summer 2026 is now closed. The application for summer 2027 will be available February1 - March 31, 2027.
Required Materials
Transcripts and letters of recommendation are NOT needed.
EPIC 2026 Dates
| Session | Dates | Grade Level | ||
| Session 1 | June 28-July 2 | 6th-8th | ||
| Session 2 | July 5-10 | 9th-11th | ||
| Session 3 | July 12-17 | 9th-11th | ||
| Session 4 | July 19-24 | 9th-11th |
Grades are based on Spring 2026 enrollment.
Highlights and Daily Schedule
| Residential Program Schedule | |
| 7:30-8:00am | Morning Gathering |
| 8:10-9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:10-11:00am | Engineering Class |
| 11:10-12:00pm | Engineering Fields Presentations/Industry Guest Speakers |
| 12:10-1:00pm | Lunch Break |
| 1:10-3:00pm | Engineering Class |
| 3:10-5:00pm | Engineering Design Team Project |
| 5:10-5:30pm | Break |
| 5:30-6:30pm | Dinner |
| 6:30-8:30pm | Evening Activities |
| 8:30-9:00pm | Evening Gathering |
| 9:00-10:00pm | Free Time |
| 10:00-11:00pm | On Floor/In Room |
| 11:00 PM | Lights Out |
Session 1: June 28- July 2 6th-8th Grade
| Title | Description | Majors |
| Design of Heavy Equipment (Cranes) | This workshop introduces students to the design of heavy equipment, focusing on cranes. Over several sessions, students learn key engineering concepts—such as center of gravity, stability, and power—then work in groups to brainstorm, design, and build a small crane prototype using simple materials. In the final session, groups present their projects and compete to create the most stable and effective design. The workshop aims to build understanding of heavy equipment, engineering principles, and real-world applications. | AERO, ARCH, BMED, BRAE, CE, EE, ENVE, GENE, IE, MNFG, ME |
| Building Space and Structure | Throughout four days, we will be learning how to draw and construct beautiful spaces and structures. We will construct rooms, towers, and bridges, which will be assessed through shadow studies, earthquake simulations, and weight testing. | Architecture + Architectural/Structural Engineering |
| Eco Composite materials Surfboard | Students are introduced to the composite wet layup process by being part of a hands-on project. They will design and make their own surfboard design by shaping their foam block to a specific surfboard design. After the foam is sanded to the desired shape, students will then mix up the epoxy and apply it to the dry fibers. The wet fibers will be laid up on the surfboard. Then they will be introduced to the composite vacuum bag process. The surfboards will be placed in a vacuum bag where all the air will be pulled out. Lastly, they will test different kinds of composite box beams to determine the strongest and the lightest. | AERO, ARCH, CE, IE, MNFG, MATE, ME |
| Engine, Composite, and AERO Dept Tour | The purpose of this lab is to learn about the components of a four-stroke gasoline engine and how they work together to form a functioning machine. The lab comprises two stages: disassembly and identification of parts, and reassembly with an eye toward how the function of one part affects the function of another. The primary areas of interest are the cylinder, connecting rods, and crankshaft, as well as the valves with associated cams, lifters, and camshaft. Students will also learn the overall operation of an engine, following the progression of the four strokes (intake, compression, combustion, exhaust). Once completed, students should consider why certain design decisions were made (the shape of the cams, etc) to further explore the concept of the design process. | AERO, GENE, ME |
| Arduino: Rube Goldberg Machine | Arduino Projects | CPE, EE |
| Spacecraft Orbit Simulation | The lab is primarily focused on designing space missions and operating spacecraft. | AERO, CSC, CPE, EE, GENE, SE |
| Cardiovascular System: Vessels and Disease | Students will learn about cardiovascular disease and measure cardiovascular metrics. They will understand the importance of these metrics in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, which is the number one cause of death. | BMED |
| Computational Art with Turtle! | Computer drawing using Turtle in Python | CSC |
| Exploring the World Through GIS Mapping |
In this hands-on lab, students will step into the role of geospatial scientists and learn how digital maps are created and used to understand the world around us. Using professional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, students will work with real imagery and maps to explore spatial thinking, coordinate systems, and the fundamentals of modern mapmaking. They will learn how location data is tied to the Earth, how images become usable geographic information, and how maps can tell stories about land, resources, and communities. Students will georeference a raster image—aligning it to real-world coordinates—and transform it into a working map layer that can be analyzed and visualized. By the end of the session, participants will produce their own mapped output while gaining exposure to tools used in environmental science, urban planning, agriculture, disaster response, and engineering. This lab emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and technical confidence, providing a foundation for understanding how geospatial technologies shape decision-making in today’s world. |
ARCH, BRAE, CE, CSC, CPE, EE, ENVE, SE, Geoinformatics & Geodetic Engineering |
| Building basic electronic circuits using Arduino | Students will learn how to use Arduino to build electronic circuits, such as temperature sensors, distance sensors, and motion sensors | BMED, CSC, CPE, EE, GENE, MATE |
| Shining a light on Solar Energy, Wind Power, and Building the Hybrid Grid with Solar and Wind | The Power Lab: Hands-On Design and Engineering of Wind and Solar Microgrids | ARCH, BRAE, EE, ENVE, GENE, IE, MATE, ME, SE |
Session 2: July 5-10 9th-11th Grade
| Title | Description | Majors |
| Design of Heavy Equipment (Cranes) | This workshop introduces students to the design of heavy equipment, focusing on cranes. Over several sessions, students learn key engineering concepts—such as center of gravity, stability, and power—then work in groups to brainstorm, design, and build a small crane prototype using simple materials. In the final session, groups present their projects and compete to create the most stable and effective design. The workshop aims to build understanding of heavy equipment, engineering principles, and real-world applications. | AERO, ARCH, BMED, BRAE, CE, EE, ENVE, GENE, IE, MNFG, ME |
| Building Space and Structure | Throughout four days, we will be learning how to draw and construct beautiful spaces and structures. We will construct rooms, towers, and bridges, which will be assessed through shadow studies, earthquake simulations, and weight testing. | Architecture + Architectural/Structural Engineering |
| Mechatronics Lab and Programming | This lab will introduce students to the basic functions of a microcontroller. Groups will be able to program and control a POL.E, which is a specially built robot on wheels. The first part of the lab is identifying the components that make up the robot, from the power switch to the pins and control board. The next step is learning how to set POL.E in motion through writing BASIC command code. This will be accomplished by first running through a sample code, which will demonstrate what each command does, then progressing to having the students write their own simple program for POL.E. A course will be mapped out on the floor for the robot to follow; the challenge will be for each group to get their POL.E to navigate the course. | ME |
| Engine, Composite, and AERO Dept Tour | The purpose of this lab is to learn about the components of a four-stroke gasoline engine and how they work together to form a functioning machine. The lab comprises two stages: disassembly and identification of parts, and reassembly with an eye toward how the function of one part affects the function of another. The primary areas of interest are the cylinder, connecting rods, and crankshaft, as well as the valves with associated cams, lifters, and camshaft. Students will also learn the overall operation of an engine, following the progression of the four strokes (intake, compression, combustion, exhaust). Once completed, students should consider why certain design decisions were made (the shape of the cams, etc) to further explore the concept of the design process. | ME, AERO |
| Arduino: Rube Goldberg Machine | Arduino Projects | EE |
| Watts Up? Building a Smart Microgrid | Design and control a smart microgrid in this hands-on lab, integrating renewable energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. Use Arduino programming to optimize energy flow and discover the code and electronics that power sustainable technologies. | CE, CSC, CPE, EE, ENVE, GENE, SE |
| Engineering Design Studio: From Ideas to Prototypes | This hands-on lab teaches students the engineering design process through a team-based project. Students learn to define problems, develop and test solutions, and refine their designs while building a functional prototype. Along the way, they explore concepts from multiple engineering disciplines and strengthen skills in creativity, teamwork, and communication. The program ends with a showcase where teams present their work and reflect on their design process. | CE, CSC, CPE, EE, GENE, IE, MNFG, MATE, ME, SE |
| Plantimals: Designing Plant-Based Biomaterials for Human Tissue Engineering |
Students will learn about different biological tissues and examine samples (e.g., muscle, heart, bone) and their material properties, structures, and functions. Then, student teams will identify plant materials with similar structures, and decellularize them (wash out cells with detergents, leaving behind a cellulose "scaffold"), evaluating their properties and viability for animal cell growth and creation of new engineering tissues. The lab will touch on imaging, cell culture, and materials characterization techniques used in tissue engineering, and challenge students to use the engineering design process to create and characterize a biomaterial. |
BMED, GENE, MATE |
| Cardiovascular System: Vessels and Disease | Students will learn about cardiovascular disease and measure cardiovascular metrics. They will understand the importance of these metrics in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease which is the number one cause of death. | BMED |
| Rush Hour Delivery! | Ever wonder how delivery robots help navigate busy roads and help businesses thrive? In this hands-on engineering lab, students will design, build, and program their own autonomous delivery robot, capable of optimizing delivery routes in a dynamic environment! Teams will compete in a final challenge based on three performance metrics: delivery speed, payload capacity, and overall robot weight. By following the engineering design process, students will develop core robotics and engineering principles while strengthening problem-solving, collaborative, and iterative design skills. | CSC, CPE, GENE, ME |
| Exploring the World Through GIS Mapping |
In this hands-on lab, students will step into the role of geospatial scientists and learn how digital maps are created and used to understand the world around us. Using professional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, students will work with real imagery and maps to explore spatial thinking, coordinate systems, and the fundamentals of modern mapmaking. They will learn how location data is tied to the Earth, how images become usable geographic information, and how maps can tell stories about land, resources, and communities. Students will georeference a raster image—aligning it to real-world coordinates—and transform it into a working map layer that can be analyzed and visualized. By the end of the session, participants will produce their own mapped output while gaining exposure to tools used in environmental science, urban planning, agriculture, disaster response, and engineering. This lab emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and technical confidence, providing a foundation for understanding how geospatial technologies shape decision-making in today’s world. |
ARCH, BRAE, CSC, CPE, ENVE, SE, Geoinformatics & Geodetic Engineering |
| Autonomous Driving Fundamentals with Mobile Robots | Explore autonomous driving fundamentals using mobile robots (Jetbots) and Python programming. Students will engage in hands-on modules covering planning, control, and computer vision, utilizing NVIDIA Jetson platforms and differential-drive robots to build practical skills in autonomous systems. | CSC, CPE, EE, SE |
| Building basic electronic circuits using Arduino | Students will learn how to use Arduino to build electronic circuits, such as temperature sensors, distance sensors, and motion sensors | BMED, CSC, CPE, EE, MATE |
| The Power Lab: Building the Hybrid Grid with Solar and Wind | The Power Lab: Hands-On Design and Engineering of Wind and Solar Microgrids | ARCH, BRAE, EE, ENVE, GENE, MATE, ME, SE |
Session 3: July 12-17 9th-11th Grade
| Title | Description | Majors |
| Design of Heavy Equipment (Cranes) | This workshop introduces students to the design of heavy equipment, focusing on cranes. Over several sessions, students learn key engineering concepts—such as center of gravity, stability, and power—then work in groups to brainstorm, design, and build a small crane prototype using simple materials. In the final session, groups present their projects and compete to create the most stable and effective design. The workshop aims to build understanding of heavy equipment, engineering principles, and real-world applications. | AERO, ARCH, BMED, BRAE, CE, EE, ENVE, GENE, IE, MNFG, ME |
| Building Space and Structure | Throughout four days, we will be learning how to draw and construct beautiful spaces and structures. We will construct rooms, towers, and bridges, which will be assessed through shadow studies, earthquake simulations, and weight testing. | Architecture + Architectural/Structural Engineering |
| Mechatronics Lab and Programming | This lab will introduce students to the basic functions of a microcontroller. Groups will be able to program and control a POL.E, which is a specially built robot on wheels. The first part of the lab is identifying the components that make up the robot, from the power switch to the pins and control board. The next step is learning how to set POL.E in motion through writing BASIC command code. This will be accomplished by first running through a sample code, which will demonstrate what each command does, then progressing to having the students write their own simple program for POL.E. A course will be mapped out on the floor for the robot to follow; the challenge will be for each group to get their POL.E to navigate the course. | ME |
| Engine, Composite Tour | The purpose of this lab is to learn about the components of a four-stroke gasoline engine, and how they work together to form a functioning machine. The lab is comprised to two stages, disassembly and identification of parts, and reassembly with an eye toward how the function of one part affects the function of another. The primary areas of interest are the cylinder, connecting rods and crankshaft, as well as the valves with associated cams, lifters, and camshaft. Students will also learn the overall operation of an engine, following the progression of the four strokes (intake, compression, combustion, exhaust). Once completed, students should consider why certain design decisions were made (the shape of the cams, etc) to further explore the concept of the design process. | AERO, GENE, ME |
Design & Engineering in Construction |
Ever wonder what is underneath the roads we drive on? Learn about underground and roadway construction, and what it takes to build our infrastructure. See how Granite Construction estimates, designs, and builds construction projects. Students will learn about construction engineering and design through hands-on laboratory experience and see the equipment it takes to perform this work. |
CE |
| Arduino: Rube Goldberg Machine | Arduino Projects | EE |
| Watts Up? Building a Smart Microgrid | Design and control a smart microgrid in this hands-on lab, integrating renewable energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. Use Arduino programming to optimize energy flow and discover the code and electronics that power sustainable technologies. | CE, CSC, CPE, EE, ENVE, GENE, SE |
| Engineering Design Studio: From Ideas to Prototypes | This hands-on lab teaches students the engineering design process through a team-based project. Students learn to define problems, develop and test solutions, and refine their designs while building a functional prototype. Along the way, they explore concepts from multiple engineering disciplines and strengthen skills in creativity, teamwork, and communication. The program ends with a showcase where teams present their work and reflect on their design process. | CE, CSC, CPE, EE, GENE, IE, MNFG, MATE, ME, SE |
| Mission Control Center | Lab is focused on designing and operating spacecraft missions | AERO, CPE, EE, GENE, SE |
| Cardiovascular System: Vessels and Disease | Students will learn about cardiovascular disease and measure cardiovascular metrics. They will understand the importance of these metrics in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, which is the number one cause of death. | BMED |
| Supply Chain Explorers | Discover the exciting world of supply chains in "Supply Chain Explorers," a dynamic lab that offers an engaging introduction to supply chain management, revealing its crucial role in everyday life and global commerce. Participants will: 1. Learn key concepts in supply chain operations and management. 2. Engage in hands-on experiments and interactive games to solve real-world supply chain challenges using analytics. 3. Work in teams to develop solutions, fostering collaborative and analytical skills. |
IE |
| Rush Hour Delivery! | Ever wonder how delivery robots help navigate busy roads and help businesses thrive? In this hands-on engineering lab, students will design, build, and program their own autonomous delivery robot, capable of optimizing delivery routes in a dynamic environment! Teams will compete in a final challenge based on three performance metrics: delivery speed, payload capacity, and overall robot weight. By following the engineering design process, students will develop core robotics and engineering principles while strengthening problem-solving, collaborative, and iterative design skills. | CSC, CPE, GENE, ME |
| Autonomous Driving Fundamentals with Mobile Robots | Explore autonomous driving fundamentals using mobile robots (Jetbots) and Python programming. Students will engage in hands-on modules covering planning, control, and computer vision, utilizing NVIDIA Jetson platforms and differential-drive robots to build practical skills in autonomous systems. | CSC, CPE, EE, SE |
| Building basic electronic circuits using Arduino | Students will learn how to use Arduino to build electronic circuits, such as temperature sensors, distance sensors, motion sensors, motor control and operation, and light-up LED patterns, etc. | CSC, CPE, EE, GENE, MATE |
Session 4: July 19-24 9th-11th Grade
| Title | Description | Majors |
| Design of Heavy Equipment (Cranes) | This workshop introduces students to the design of heavy equipment, focusing on cranes. Over several sessions, students learn key engineering concepts—such as center of gravity, stability, and power—then work in groups to brainstorm, design, and build a small crane prototype using simple materials. In the final session, groups present their projects and compete to create the most stable and effective design. The workshop aims to build understanding of heavy equipment, engineering principles, and real-world applications. | AERO, ARCH, BMED, BRAE, CE, EE, ENVE, GENE, IE, MNFG, ME |
| Building Space and Structure | Throughout four days, we will be learning how to draw and construct beautiful spaces and structures. We will construct rooms, towers, and bridges, which will be assessed through shadow studies, earthquake simulations, and weight testing. | Architecture + Architectural/Structural Engineering |
| Glider Workshop and Composite Material Testing | In this workshop each student will have the opportunity to design, build and test their very own glider. Under the supervision and guidance of EPIC counselors, students will be introduced to aerospace fundamentals of stability, control, structures and aerodynamics and how these fundamentals pertain to glider manufacturing and design. Students will have the chance to plan and build their own gliders via composites and various other materials available to them. The goal of the glider workshop is to expose students to Cal Poly’s ‘learn by doing’ environment and to promote a fun and exciting learning environment via a hands on aerospace engineering project. |
AERO, MNFG, MATE, ME |
| Engine, Composite, and AERO Dept Tour | The objective of this laboratory session is to gain insights into the components of a four-stroke gasoline engine and understand how they collaborate to create a functional mechanism. The lab is structured in two phases: initial disassembly and parts identification, followed by reassembly with a focus on comprehending how the function of one part influences another. Key areas of exploration include the cylinder, connecting rods, crankshaft, valves, and associated components such as cams, lifters, and camshaft. Students will delve into the intricacies of engine operation, tracing the sequence of the four strokes—intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. Upon completion, students are encouraged to contemplate the reasoning behind specific design choices, such as the shape of the cams, to delve deeper into the concept of the design process. |
AERO, CSC, CPE, GENE, ME, SW |
Design & Engineering in Construction |
Ever wonder what is underneath the roads we drive on? Learn about underground and roadway construction, and what it takes to build our infrastructure. See how Granite Construction estimates, designs, and builds construction projects. Students will learn about construction engineering and design through hands-on laboratory experience and see the equipment it takes to perform this work. |
Civil Engineering |
| Arduino: Rube Goldberg Machine | Arduino Projects | EE |
| Watts Up? Building a Smart Microgrid | Design and control a smart microgrid in this hands-on lab, integrating renewable energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. Use Arduino programming to optimize energy flow and discover the code and electronics that power sustainable technologies. | CE, CSC, CPE, EE, ENVE, GENE, SE |
| Supply Chain Explorers | Discover the exciting world of supply chains in "Supply Chain Explorers," a dynamic lab that offers an engaging introduction to supply chain management, revealing its crucial role in everyday life and global commerce. Participants will: 1. Learn key concepts in supply chain operations and management. 2. Engage in hands-on experiments and interactive games to solve real-world supply chain challenges using analytics. 3. Work in teams to develop solutions, fostering collaborative and analytical skills. |
IE |
| Rush Hour Delivery! | Ever wonder how delivery robots help navigate busy roads and help businesses thrive? In this hands-on engineering lab, students will design, build, and program their own autonomous delivery robot, capable of optimizing delivery routes in a dynamic environment! Teams will compete in a final challenge based on three performance metrics: delivery speed, payload capacity, and overall robot weight. By following the engineering design process, students will develop core robotics and engineering principles while strengthening problem-solving, collaborative, and iterative design skills. | CSC, CPE, GENE, ME |
| Exploring the World Through GIS Mapping |
In this hands-on lab, students will step into the role of geospatial scientists and learn how digital maps are created and used to understand the world around us. Using professional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, students will work with real imagery and maps to explore spatial thinking, coordinate systems, and the fundamentals of modern mapmaking. They will learn how location data is tied to the Earth, how images become usable geographic information, and how maps can tell stories about land, resources, and communities. Students will georeference a raster image—aligning it to real-world coordinates—and transform it into a working map layer that can be analyzed and visualized. By the end of the session, participants will produce their own mapped output while gaining exposure to tools used in environmental science, urban planning, agriculture, disaster response, and engineering. This lab emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and technical confidence, providing a foundation for understanding how geospatial technologies shape decision-making in today’s world. |
ARCH, BRAE, CE, CSC, CPE, ENVE, SE, Geoinformatics & Geodetic Engineering |
| Autonomous Driving Fundamentals with Mobile Robots | Explore autonomous driving fundamentals using mobile robots (Jetbots) and Python programming. Students will engage in hands-on modules covering planning, control, and computer vision, utilizing NVIDIA Jetson platforms and differential-drive robots to build practical skills in autonomous systems. | CSC, CPE, EE, SE |
| Building basic electronic circuits using Arduino | Students will learn how to use Arduino to build electronic circuits, such as temperature sensors, distance sensors, motion sensors, motor control and operation, and light-up LED patterns, etc. | CSC, CPE, EE, MATE |
| The Power Lab: Building the Hybrid Grid with Solar and Wind | Hands On Design and Engineering of Wind and Solar Microgrids | ARCH, BRAE, EE, ENVE, GENE, MATE, ME, SE |
