Dwight Hutchins Expanding Access to Engineering Program
162 Zeanah Engineering Complex
823 Neyland Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-0625
Fax: 865-974-0625
Email: [email protected]
Deborah Brown Summer Engineering Advancement Program
Hosted and developed by the college, the focus of the Deborah Brown Summer Engineering Advancement Program (SEA) is to provide students who are pre-calculus-ready and majoring in engineering an opportunity to advance to calculus beginning in the fall. SEA offers students an overview of courses required as part of their first-year engineering curriculum with a particular emphasis on mathematics. Participating students will receive preliminary exposure to the academic environment of higher education to develop academic success skills.
Apply to attend the Deborah Brown SEA Program
SEA participants will have the opportunity to prepare for the collegiate environment as they develop academic, study, and personal skills while also engaging in career exploration.
Students who are accepted to SEA will attend free of charge. Tickle College of Engineering students should complete the online application.
SEA Counselors
The college is seeking current UT students to serve as counselors for the 2026 Summer Engineering Advancement program. Counselors should be rising sophomore, juniors, and seniors who wish to work with future Engineering Vols.
What Can I Expect?
- Accelerated pre-calculus
- Introduction to engineering fundamentals
- College life workshops/presentations
- Campus housing and meals (included)
Program Benefits
- Advance to begin Calculus 1 (Fall Semester)
- Develop academic, study, and personal skills
- Engage in career exploration and preparation
- Explore college life through tours, workshops, and presentations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deborah Brown SEA?
The Deborah Brown Summer Engineering Advancement Program (SEA) is designed to provide students who are pre-calculus-ready and majoring in engineering an opportunity to advance to calculus beginning in the fall. The program offers students an overview of the courses (non-credit) required as part of their first-year engineering curriculum with a particular emphasis on mathematics.
Who will teach the classes?
The classes are led by faculty and graduate students from the Tickle College of Engineering and the Department of Mathematics. Counselors will assist with program activities and supervision of the participants.
What other activities will participants be involved in?
Participants will have the opportunity to prepare for the collegiate environment as they develop academic, study, and personal skills while also engaging in career exploration. The program includes college life workshops/experiences focusing on wellness, academic success, career development, team building, communication, leadership & services, and networking & student engagement.
Who may apply?
All first-year students admitted to the Tickle College of Engineering are encouraged to apply.
What are the costs?
There is no major cost for the participant to attend. The Deborah Brown SEA program provides housing, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), course instruction, and supplies (paper, pencils, pens, etc.) for participants between June 6-26, 2026. Participants are responsible for traveling to campus with parents/guardians at the start of the program (June 6) and returning home with parents/guardians at the end of the program (June 26).
What are the requirements to apply?
The application includes general information, school information, leadership & extracurricular activities, and short answer video responses.
Where do students live during the program?
Participants for the program will be housed at Dogwood Hall at the UT campus in Knoxville, TN.
Do I need to confirm enrollment in order to attend?
Participants do not need to confirm enrollment in order to apply for the Deborah Brown SEA 2026 program. If participants are selected to participate, then confirmed enrollment is required.
What does a typical schedule look like?
The schedule consists of the following: math lecture, engineering fundamentals lecture, math recitation, and academic practice sessions. For a more detailed schedule, please contact Travis Griffin at [email protected] to request a sample detail schedule.
What materials or supplied would I need to bring to participate?
For a detail listing for materials/supplies needed, please contact Travis Griffin at [email protected] to request the listing.
When is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted by March 27, 2026. Participants will be notified of their acceptance by April 10, 2026.
How may applications be submitted?
All applications must be submitted online. For additional information or questions, please contact us at [email protected].
New Student Orientation
Students interested in the SEA program are also encouraged to register for the following New Student Orientation Sessions:
- Please select an orientation session either before or after June 6-26, 2026