Business and engineering summer camps can prepare high school students for the world of work. This June, more than 20 high school juniors and rising seniors took part in Hampton University’s Business of Engineering summer camp.

The daytime summer program for high school students is hosted by Hampton University’s School of Engineering & Technology and the School of Business.

“This program allows high school students to explore the ins and outs of business and engineering,” said Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey.

Over the two-week summer camp, students took part in classes focused on engineering and business in real-world choices,  computer-aided design software used to solve everyday problems, and team-building in contests, case studies, and field trips

“It is a good experience to be involved in the Business of Engineering summer program as we introduce students to the integrated worlds of business and engineering,” said Dr. Jerald Dumas, assistant professor for the Hampton University School of Engineering.

Applicants must have a 3.0-grade point average (GPA). Admission is competitive and based on academic record, essays, and recommendations. This year, the program was sponsored by the United States Department of Energy.

“Overall, this was a very innovative experience that helped me learn a lot about business,” said Amanuel Yoseph, rising ninth grader from Newport News, Va. “It also taught me how to speak up when I’m presenting, so that was very helpful for me.”

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers calls engineering and business a combination for success. More universities are adding integrated engineering-business courses to their engineering programs to provide these skill sets, ASME says.