The Rutgers Honors Engineering eXperience (RHEx) is a one-week residential summer program for high school juniors and seniors. Hosted by Rutgers University’s School of Engineering, RHEx offers hands-on labs, interactive activities, and mentorship to help students explore various engineering disciplines while experiencing college life.
The Rutgers Honors Engineering eXperience (RHEx) offers rising high school juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of engineering. This one-week residential summer program, hosted at Rutgers University’s School of Engineering, is designed to provide hands-on exposure to various engineering disciplines through an engaging combination of interactive activities, lab work, and mentorship. Set on Rutgers’ vibrant campus in Piscataway, New Jersey, participants gain invaluable insights into the field of engineering while also experiencing college life.
RHEx’s thoughtfully designed curriculum bridges theory and practice, with each day focusing on a different engineering discipline. From exploring materials science and engineering principles, such as creating photovoltaic solar cells and holograms, to understanding the role of artificial intelligence in chemical engineering, the program ensures a comprehensive exposure to modern engineering challenges and tools. Participants delve into electrical engineering concepts through sports-related AI and motion analytics, and they tackle mechanical engineering projects by designing and building functional automata. Each activity is enriched by guidance from faculty, researchers, teaching assistants, and peer mentors, culminating in a student project symposium that allows participants to showcase their work and reflections.
Beyond academic exploration, RHEx offers a full residential experience, with students living on campus and enjoying meals alongside their peers. This immersive setting fosters collaboration, camaraderie, and a deeper appreciation of university life. Students also benefit from a highly selective application process that requires them to articulate their engineering interests, problem-solving approaches, and extracurricular achievements, ensuring a motivated and like-minded cohort.
By the end of the week, participants leave RHEx with a refined understanding of their engineering interests, better prepared to make informed decisions about their future academic and career paths. The program strikes an ideal balance between meaningful exploration and enjoyable engagement, making it an invaluable stepping stone for aspiring engineers.
