IEEE Program Brings Engineering to 20 Million Students

Twenty years ago, most kids had no idea what engineers actually did or that engineering could be a career path for them.

That's changed dramatically thanks to TryEngineering, a free platform launched in 2006 by IEEE, IBM, and the New York Hall of Science. The program just celebrated its 20th anniversary of bringing real engineering experiences into classrooms around the world.

The spark came from a 2004 meeting where industry leaders raised alarm bells. Engineering was missing from schools entirely, and kids were making up their minds about science careers as early as age 5. Without exposure to engineering during those crucial elementary years, countless talented students never even considered the field.

Their solution was brilliantly simple: give teachers free, ready-to-use lesson plans that make engineering hands-on, creative, and fun. No technical jargon or complicated theory, just activities that let kids build, problem-solve, and work together like real engineers do.

The approach worked because it focused on teachers first, not students. Educators got classroom-ready materials they could use immediately, even without engineering backgrounds themselves. The lessons showed kids that engineering wasn't just for math whizzes or a select few, it was for anyone curious about solving real-world problems.

Why This Inspires

The numbers tell an incredible story of impact. Teachers have now taught millions of TryEngineering lessons, opening doors for students who might never have seen themselves as future engineers. Girls and students from underrepresented groups especially benefited from seeing engineering as practical and creative rather than intimidating.

Dr. Moshe Kam, who led the program's creation as IEEE's education vice president, understood something powerful. By encouraging kids to simply try engineering, you give them permission to explore without fear of failure. That simple invitation has changed countless lives.

Even students who don't become engineers gain something valuable from these lessons. They learn the engineering design process, critical thinking, and teamwork skills that serve them in any career path they choose.

Jamie Moesch, IEEE Educational Activities managing director, calls it a massively important concept. In his words, the founders created something special in a world where engineering often seems scary or out of reach for young students still developing their skills.

The platform continues growing today, proof that when you make learning accessible and engaging, young minds respond with enthusiasm and creativity that can last a lifetime.