About

The MIT Women’s Technology Program (WTP) is a four-week residential summer program that introduces female high-schoolers to engineering and computer science in an immersive MIT setting. Participants enroll in either the Mechanical Engineering (ME) or Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS) track, depending on the year. The curriculum centers on hands-on classes, laboratory work, and team-based design projects. WTP supports students—including those from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds—who have strong math and science preparation but limited prior exposure to engineering. The emphasis is on authentic problem-solving, design thinking, and early engineering identity development rather than conventional coursework.

Applications open in the fall and close in mid-January. WTP admits roughly 20–25 students per track each year, for a total cohort of about 40–50 participants. Requirements include transcripts, essays, teacher recommendations, and an interview; demonstrated potential in STEM and readiness for intensive study are important. The program does not publish an official acceptance rate, but the applicant-to-seat ratio places it among the more selective pre-college engineering programs. WTP offers substantial financial aid, and many admitted students attend at low or no tuition cost.

During the four-week residency, students live in MIT dormitories and participate in daily lectures, labs, and workshops. Project work varies by track: ME students engage with areas such as materials, fluid dynamics, and CAD modeling, while EECS students focus on circuits, programming, and hardware/software integration. Weekly design challenges culminate in team presentations. Participants also attend seminars, meet MIT undergraduate and graduate mentors, and take part in peer-led discussions. The culture is collaborative and exploratory rather than competitive, mirroring introductory engineering education environments.

WTP provides a structured, high-intensity introduction to engineering within a university setting, offering students a clear window into design processes, technical problem-solving, and engineering thinking. While the program does not center on original research, its instructional depth and sustained project work make it one of the country’s most respected options for high school girls seeking early, hands-on immersion in engineering.