Wentworth Institute of Technology Pre-College: Summer Program Spotlight
December 19, 2024
Smack dab in Boston’s vibrant Fenway neighborhood is Wentworth Institute of Technology, a STEM school highly regarded for its offerings in architecture, engineering, computer science, and construction management. Thanks to its extensive industry connections and curriculum that requires at least two semesters of co-op experience, Wentworth’s 4,000-strong student body enjoys incredible postgraduate outcomes—93% are employed or in grad school within six months of graduating, and 98% work in a field related to their major. Clearly, Wentworth knows what they’re doing when it comes to experiential learning, and they’ve channeled that same expertise into their pre-college summer programs for high school students. Their programs not only encourage students to explore potential college majors without reserve but also soak up all the professional connections and career insight that Wentworth is renowned for. Ready to learn more about Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Pre-College Programs for high school students? Keep scrolling.
Note: This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Wentworth’s Pre-College Programs. Our site only partners with summer programs that bring significant value to students and the material in this blog is 100% the genuine opinion of College Transitions.
What pre-college summer programs does Wentworth offer?
Wentworth Institute of Technology offers three engaging pre-college summer programs for high school students: ImpactLab, Momentum, and SummerFAB. Let’s explore each offering:
ImpactLab
- Residential?: Yes
- Length: 2 or 4 weeks
- Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
- Tuition: $3,995 for two weeks; $6,990 for four weeks (partial tuition assistance is available)
If there were two words to describe ImpactLab—Wentworth’s signature summer program offering— they would be “hands-on” and “exploratory.” A multi-week, action-packed residential experience, ImpactLab will not only introduce you to the value of an experiential education but also allow you to try out potential majors of interest before you have to commit to one as an undergraduate.
Accordingly, all course options provide immersion into science, engineering, technology, or design concepts via resources and faculty at one of Wentworth’s five schools: the School of Architecture & Design, the School of Computing & Data Science, the School of Engineering, the School of Management, or the School of Sciences & Humanities. The fifteen current courses range from engineering and computing options like Computer Science and Programming Fundamentals and Introduction to Biotechnology and Bioengineering to design-focused choices like Cutting Edge Construction and Product Design for a Better World.
What does an ImpactLab pre-college course entail?
Curious about what an ImpactLab course looks like in real life? No tests, quizzes, or homework here—while you’ll be attending a handful of lectures throughout the program, the bulk of your time (6+ hours per day) will be dedicated to engaging in actual labs and projects. Let’s take Cutting Edge Construction—in this course, you’ll learn about construction methods and materials, including advanced technology like drones, robotics, and 3D modeling. For even more hands-on immersion, you’ll visit an active Boston construction site to observe the ins and outs of the process, and have access to faculty and professionals from the Construction Management program, one of Wentworth’s most popular majors.
Moreover, Computer Science and Programming Fundamentals is appropriate for all levels, whether you’ve never coded before or have a few skills under your belt. You’ll dive into Python as well as foundational concepts like programming structures and data types. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to build a computer project of your choice while receiving guidance from a Wentworth faculty member in the innovative School of Computing & Data Science.
What else can I expect during the ImpactLab experience at Wentworth’s summer programs?
An important aspect of ImpactLab is that it lets you try the full college experience on for size, living in Wentworth’s residence halls while attending classes in its state-of-the-art buildings and labs. Plenty of on- and off-campus social events are on tap, as well as the chance to live with and learn from Wentworth undergraduates and like-minded peers from around the world. Oh, and you’ll be a stone’s throw from everything Boston has to offer, including essential experiences like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Fenway Park.
Momentum
- Residential?: Commuter/day program only
- Length: 1 week
- Eligibility: Rising freshmen and sophomores
- Tuition: $599
Think of Momentum as “ImpactLab Lite.” During this Wentworth summer program, rising freshmen and sophomores will have a similar exploratory, hands-on, collaborative experience, just in a day-program format that is perfect for younger students. In fact, Momentum places even more emphasis on “exploratory,” with each of the five available interdisciplinary courses providing exposure to multiple majors at Wentworth. Currently, courses include the following:
- Art and Science of Creating: Engineering + Designing Tomorrow’s Products
- Connected Care: Technology in Human Health
- Digital Frontier: Exploring Computing Pathways for Good
- Engineering for Humanity: Making the World a Better Place
- Innovating for Tomorrow: Building a Safer and Greener World
For example, if you opt for Connected Care: Technology in Human Health, you’ll delve into how technological innovations can improve patient outcomes and experiences. Your course will include hands-on labs and projects that explore the intersection between science and engineering. It will also provide exposure to a diverse range of Wentworth majors that include Applied Sciences, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science and Society, and Cybersecurity. Best of all, the 10:1 student-to-staff ratio allows for a highly personalized learning experience.
Live within commuting distance of Boston? Perfect. Live too far to drive or take the train each day? While no residential option is offered, non-local students can certainly opt to find supervised accommodations in the Boston area during the week of the program.
SummerFAB
- Residential?: Commuter/day program only
- Length: 4 weeks
- Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are Boston residents or attend Boston Public Schools
- Tuition: Free (yes, truly!)
If you’re a Boston teen, you’ll want to check out SummerFAB, Wentworth’s four-week, fully grant-funded summer architecture program exclusively for Boston-area students. This program goes beyond ideation, enabling you to actually design and construct full-scale architectural solutions to local challenges in partnership with the community. To accomplish that objective, you’ll move through three distinct phases: Design, Fabricate, and Build.
During the first two phases, you’ll learn foundational design and construction skills, such as drawing and safety principles. Then, you’ll transition into activities that include exploring public spaces in Boston, learning how to visualize and express ideas, and understanding methods of design inquiry. Hand-on exercises in drawing, model-making, and 3-D architectural prototyping prepare you for the final phase: Build. During this phase, your group will use the prototypes created in previous phases as a blueprint to create a full-scale, built version of your design, ultimately resulting in temporary or permanent on-site installations. For example, last year’s students designed and built three pavilions, each showcasing different materials and methods, for installation in a local Boston neighborhood.
Since these programs are only for Boston teens, you’ll also develop a network of local, like-minded peers—an invaluable resource as you transition to college and professional life.
Wentworth Institute of Technology Summer Programs — Next Steps
Interested in attending ImpactLab, Momentum, or SummerFAB? Head directly to Wentworth’s Pre-College Summer Programs website to request more info, attend a virtual information session, or apply.
For additional summer resources, check out the following:
- Best STEM Summer Programs
- Best Architecture Summer Programs
- Best Summer Programs in Boston
- 2025 Best Summer Programs
- How to Choose a Summer Program for High School Students
- When to Apply for Summer Internships
- Should You Start College Applications Over the Summer?
