UT Knoxville HITES12

# UT Knoxville HITES12 HITES12 is a summer enrichment program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Tickle College of Engineering, designed for rising 12th grade students with an interest in engineering and an aptitude for math and science. For one week each July - July 12-17 in 2026 - participants live on the UT campus, work directly with engineering faculty and staff, and test-drive the college's majors before senior-year applications. The residential program is offered at no major cost; selected students pay only a $100 processing fee. ## What You'll Do - Explore engineering disciplines through Engineering Discovery sessions and laboratory demonstrations - Compete in daily engineering challenges and collaborate on group design projects - Work alongside Tickle College of Engineering faculty, staff, and current students - Experience residence-hall life at UT Knoxville and celebrate at a closing awards ceremony ## Who Should Apply All rising 12th grade students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have completed Algebra II (or Integrated Math and Geometry), and the application asks for a transcript, a minimum official ACT math score of 25 (SAT math 590), two teacher recommendations in math and science, and a video essay. Applications for the 2026 program closed March 16, 2026; the next application cycle opens November 7. ## Outcomes Participants finish the week with hands-on exposure to multiple engineering fields, connections to UT faculty, and a clearer sense of which majors fit - all with supplies provided and nearly all costs covered by the college.