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.
2023 IDEAA Summer Program Details
Who is Eligible?
Students who have completed 8th grade and are between 14 and 17 years old. Preference is given to students who have taken at least one design or engineering class and who are going into 11th or 12th grade.
Application Deadlines
Early Bird Deadline: April 1, 11:59 PM (apply early and save $250)
Regular Deadline: May 30, 11:59 PM
Tentative 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 industry visit locations.
Program Dates
July 10 – 21, 2023
Program Times
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Program Fees
Registration Fee: $35 per student
Reduced Tuition: $950 (Regular), $1,900 (Out-of-State) per student.
Financial Assistance to cover up to the full tuition is available on a case by case basis and is distributed based on need.
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 student may request up to $950 in financial assistance to offset or cover the cost of the program. Program tuition for out-of-state students is $1,900. Students are also encouraged to seek sponsorship from other foundations, schools, businesses, and organizations.
To qualify for financial assistance a family will have to 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 mortgage, rent, student debt, etc.). We will consider financial assistance for families with a gross income below 300% of Federal Poverty Levels (https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines) and/or students who are currently participating in Free and Reduced Meals programs.
Program tuition includes workshops, industry visits, use of laboratory equipment, materials, and meals during in-person activities. The program tuition is collected only when the student is accepted into the program. Program fees are non-refundable after the program starts.

IDEAA Summer Program Objectives
- Motivate and train high school 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.
Interested?
For more information please contact us at contact@dnova.org or
Further application instructions can be found in the online application.
