Innovation, Design, Engineering, Advanced-Manufacturing and Automation
The IDEAA Summer Program is a Diversity & Innovation Institute workforce development initiative that prepares youth to meet the needs of employers with engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing operations through hands-on workshops, courses, project based learning, career exploration, and practice opportunities. This initiative is supported by industry partners and philanthropic individuals who invest in education and workforce development.
2025 Program Details
Applications Open: NOW!
Early Bird Deadline (Save $$$):
April 15, 2025 11:59 PM EST
Regular Application Deadline:
May 30, 2025 11:59 PM EST
Who is Eligible?
High school students
Program Fees
- Registration Fee: $50 per student!
- Tuition: $950 per student
- Out of State Tuition:$1,900 per student
Financial Assistance to cover up to the full tuition is available based on financial need.
Scholarships/Awards
Each student that successfully completes the IDEAA Summer Program will receive a $400 academic scholarship and have an opportunity to participate in the DNOVA Scholars Competition with $6000 in prizes. Apply now!
2025 Program Dates: July 7-18, 2025
Can’t attend both weeks? We now offer part-time participation! Join us for a day, a few days, or 1 weeks with prorated tuition.
Please note: Only full-time participants (2 weeks) are eligible for the $400 academic scholarship.
Program Times
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Program Location
The program will be hosted at the DNOVA Institute Lab located in the Ivy Tech Community College – Lawrence Campus.
Participants will also travel to external industry visit locations.
IDEAA Summer Program Objectives
- Motivate and train students in the fields of Innovation, Design, Engineering, Advanced-Manufacturing, and Automation.
- Create an environment of innovation and creativity among participants.
- Promote the importance of networking and teamwork.
- Generate new concepts, ideas, and technologies for the development of new products and services.
After graduating from the IDEAA Summer Program, students will be eligible for various internship opportunities provided by industry partners throughout Central Indiana. All IDEAA Summer Program Graduates can count on the guidance and support of the Diversity & Innovation Institute during their academic career, and are regularly invited to STEM and social events throughout the year.
Tuition Details
The tuition amount represents about 50% of the total cost per student, the other 50% of the cost is covered by grants and donations. From these grants and donations, we have created a fund to offset the cost of the program for families that request financial assistance. The level of financial assistance will depend on available funding and level of need. Each in-state (IN) student may request up to $950 in financial assistance to offset or cover the cost of the program. Out-of-state students do not qualify for financial assistance, but all students are encouraged to seek sponsorship from other foundations, schools, businesses, and organizations.
To qualify for financial assistance, a family will demonstrate economic hardship by providing evidence (e.g. student’s participation in free and reduced meals at school, federal income tax returns, any document showing recurring expenses like rent, student debt, etc.).

Financial assistance will be provided for families with a gross income below 300% of 2025 Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) and/or students who are currently participating in Free and Reduced Meals (FRM) programs. Full tuition assistance is provided for up to 200% of FPL and FRM participants. Between 201% and 300%, financial assistance is prorated. Please contact us for more information.
Program tuition includes workshops, industry visits, laboratory equipment, materials, meals, and transportation. The program tuition is collected only when the student is accepted into the program. Program fees are non-refundable once the program begins.
Pay IDEAA Program Fees:
