In June 2025, the School of Electronic Engineering at DCU, in partnership with Intel and the Higher Education Authority (HEA), hosted a transformative two-week introduction to electronic engineering for 57 secondary school students from across Dublin. Delivered with expert facilitation by Simply Science and led by Phil Smyth and Michael O’Reilly, the camp provided an immersive, hands-on experience of what it means to study and work in engineering today.
The programme, run over two separate weeks, was designed to spark curiosity, foster confidence, and give students direct access to real engineering environments and role models.
Mornings were filled with interactive lab sessions exploring electronics fundamentals, breadboarding, Ohm’s Law, sensors, and programming Microbits. Highlights included the ever-popular Egg Drop Challenge, robot-building sessions, and the opportunity to design, code, and troubleshoot real-world problem-solving projects.
The students were mentored by a dedicated group of undergraduate engineering demonstrators who not only taught core concepts but also spent informal time with the participants - creating the space for relaxed, meaningful conversations about engineering, university life, and future pathways. This peer-to-peer element was a standout success, providing invaluable insight and inspiration for attendees.
Guest lectures were delivered by both DCU faculty and Intel engineers, exposing students to cutting-edge topics including wearable technology, machine learning, CPU design, and the global leadership role Ireland plays in semiconductor innovation. Students were particularly energised by Intel’s sessions, which brought industrial relevance and real-world context to their learning.
The programme also delivered significant benefits for the undergraduate mentors, who gained practical experience in teaching, technical communication, and group facilitation—all critical professional skills. Feedback from the team highlighted the rewarding nature of working with enthusiastic younger students and contributing to widening participation in engineering. The integration of structured challenges, competitive elements, and opportunities for creativity meant that each student had the chance to explore and showcase their skills, while also learning to collaborate effectively in a team environment that produced their real world solutions to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Overall, the Intel–DCU Engineering Camp 2025 was a resounding success. It strengthened links between schools, third-level education, and industry while opening doors for the next generation of engineers. The camp exemplifies what’s possible through partnership and active, inclusive STEM engagement.
