High School Introduction to Engineering Systems for Twelfth Graders, or HITES12, offered rising high school seniors the opportunity to explore UT and get a hands-on introduction to engineering study.

Students and parents began the week of July 7–12 with orientation, where they learned about curriculum and rules, UT history, the engineering diversity programs, and the college overall. Counselors led ice-breaking activities to facilitate team building, creativity, and cognitive development. A new element this year was a session hosted by New Horizons Center for Experiential Learning at UT Gardens. These events helped students get to know their peers and counselors.

Students participated in morning engineering design lab projects throughout the week. These married academic preparation and real-world application, and also introduced them to the variety of work spaces across the college. They worked in teams, based on interest, to create poster presentations that showcased the research and experiments of the week.

In the afternoons, Engineering Discovery sessions provided opportunities to explore the different engineering departments. College life sessions gave insight into advising, admissions, financial aid, professional practice, honors college, the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program, and everyday life as a UT student.

HITES12 students presented their final poster presentations in an Engineering Design Showcase on Friday, July 12, in the atrium of the Science and Engineering Research Facility. Certificates were awarded for presentations voted first, second, and third place during an awards ceremony attended by students, their parents, counselors, faculty, and staff.

Parents wrote to offer their appreciation of the program and the faculty and staff.

“Our son Jackson Karr was honored with a wonderful week at your college in the program,” wrote Steve and Anniece Yates. “He was able to get a glimpse, explore what college life is going to bring him and be able to make some changes in his thinking of what he may want to do in his adult life.”

“What an awesome week for so many students to get a hands-on experience and hear from people who know what it is like to get it done and make it happen,” wrote Keith and Karen Stump. “The graduate students, the staff, the professors, the dean made (our son) Konnor feel like he could actually get a chance to do engineering at UT.”