Gaining Engineering Aptitude Through Real-World Projects- University Prep (GEAR-UP) (coming soon)

Gaining Engineering Aptitude Through Real-World Projects – University Prep (GEAR-UP) is an upcoming engineering immersion program designed to give high school students hands-on exposure to real-world engineering disciplines. This initiative is developed and directed by FIU’s Center for Development, Support, and Success in Engineering and Computing (CDSSEC) at Florida International University’s (FIU) College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) introduces participants to applied projects in civil, environmental, mechanical, and electrical engineering—providing opportunities to design, build, test, and solve practical engineering challenges.

The program will run for eight weeks during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, with sessions held exclusively on Saturdays to maximize accessibility for students across the region. Each cohort blends guided instruction with collaborative, team-based project work, reinforced by mentorship from FIU students who support participants throughout the engineering design and discovery process.

At the end of the program, students will participate in a showcase in which students present their project work, reflecting the technical competencies, professional development, and increased confidence they have achieved over the course of the program. GEAR-UP is engineered to spark curiosity, strengthen technical skills, and build confidence as students prepare for college-level engineering pathways.

To ensure a personalized community of practice environment, GEAR-UP offers two focused tracks with a maximum of 20 students per group:

• GEAR Founders for grades 9–10
• GEAR Leaders for grades 11–12