# IEEE TryEngineering Program Empowers Educators With Specialized Tech Training Global workshops provide preuniversity teachers with hands-on engineering resources and industry insights. - **Source:** [IEEE Spectrum](https://spectrum.ieee.org/) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [careers](https://brifing.si/c/careers) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/10e80251-b2a7-4815-a1a8-9b9bdb8139b4 ## Program Overview and Goals The IEEE TryEngineering initiative is currently in its third year of providing professional development to preuniversity teachers. This year, the program focused on artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. A total of 54 educators participated in sessions designed to improve classroom instruction through specialized engineering resources and hands-on lesson plans. ## University Network Collaboration Central to the program's success is a network of host universities that provide access to advanced facilities. Faculty members offer background information on emerging technologies and discuss potential engineering career paths for students. These partnerships allow teachers to engage directly with experts while exploring real-world applications of the engineering design process. ## Cairo Session Highlights Sixteen teachers from nine schools participated in a session held at GEMS International School in Cairo. Facilitated by IEEE members Marwa Soudi and Stamatis Dragoumanos, the workshop utilized high-quality STEM facilities. Participants received training on lesson plans such as Working With Wind Energy and the Tall Tower Challenge to enhance their curricula. ## Florida Semiconductor Institute Training Educators gathered at the Florida Semiconductor Institute and the NeoCity manufacturing campus for a two-day experience. The session included a guided tour of a SkyWater Technology chip manufacturing facility. Instructor Mary Acken led hands-on demonstrations, allowing the 15 attending teachers to gain practical insights into microelectronics and modern high-tech manufacturing processes. ## Arizona State University Engagement At the Tempe campus, 11 teachers explored collaborative learning and the importance of diverse perspectives in engineering. Participants toured the NanoFab facility to observe microelectronics research firsthand. The training emphasized how to implement specific hands-on lessons and e-books, which attendees plan to integrate into their elementary after-school STEM club activities. ## Minnesota Biosensing Institute Session Sixteen STEM educators attended a workshop at the International Institute for Biosensing in Minneapolis. Participants explored the university’s Supercomputing Institute and Nano Center. Under the guidance of Claire Dietz and Pam Schumacher, teachers conducted a photonics experiment. The experience prompted many to plan future student field trips to the facility. ## Scaling Global Impact Building on the momentum from last year, when nearly 80 teachers participated across five U.S. states and Mexico, the program continues to grow. The IEEE Educational Activities Board remains committed to expanding the initiative's international footprint. Upcoming workshops are already scheduled for Greece and Guatemala to reach a broader global audience. ## Future Program Outlook The program successfully bridges the gap between academic theory and industry practice for educators. By providing classroom-ready materials and professional networking opportunities, IEEE aims to sustain long-term engagement. Participants frequently report plans for follow-up visits with experts, indicating that these sessions foster lasting connections between schools and the engineering community. ## Sources covering this story - https://spectrum.ieee.org/ieee-preuniversity — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._