IUEE participants look on while their peers test their robot helicopters.

Austin Community College is partnering with Intel on a summer engineering program that gives participants hands-on experience in their chosen field – including building and testing their own robot helicopters.

The Intel Ultimate Engineering Experience (IUEE) kicked off June 18 and will run through July 27 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Austin. During the program, students also will develop a mobile app, meet with Intel technology leaders, and take on entrepreneurial tasks to develop solutions that improve people’s lives.

“This is an excellent opportunity for ACC engineering and science students to learn from field engineers who actually do the work these students are studying to do,” says Dr. Saad Eways, professor of engineering. “Our students are greatly benefiting from this program.”

About 50 ACC students are taking part in IUEE. Each participant received a stipend to help with meals and transportation, and those who complete the program with good attendance will earn scholarships toward their tuition and books for the upcoming semester. To participate, students had to be enrolled in a pre-engineering, engineering technology, science, math, or technology degree program at ACC or the University of Texas at Austin.

“The Intel Ultimate Engineering Experience is a dynamic, high-energy program that provides students with hands-on engineering experience, team-based project work, professional skill development, and great networking opportunities with other engineering students and professional engineers,” says Bill Davidson, communications manager for Intel.

The Austin session of IUEE is one of six programs across the country this summer. The initiative is part of Intel’s efforts to engage students in engineering-related fields, provide them real-world experience, and motivate them to complete their studies.