Date: July 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2026 (Monday - Thursday)

Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM each day

Location: On-campus @ Rowan University's Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering in Glassboro, NJ

Driving Directions

Campus Map

Daily Check-in/Check-out: Engineering Hall Lobby (Building #10 on Map)

No lunch provided.

Cost: $200

Daily Check-in/Check-out Required: 

A parent/guardian or authorized pick-up person must be present to sign out their camper.  ID required.  If a person other than those identified on the registration form will be picking up your child, please inform Camp Director, Melanie Basantis at EngOutreach@rowan.edu each day. 

Drop-off/Pick-up (Rowan Map):

North Campus Drive, under skybridge between Rowan Hall (Map Bldg #9) & Engineering Hall (Map Bldg #10)

Walk-in Drop-off/Pick-up (Rowan Map):

Engineering Hall Lobby (Bldg #10 on map)

Parking in Lot D-1

Participation is open to all individuals regardless of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to, race, color, national origin, sex/gender, age, and/or disability.

Cost: $200 (No lunch provided)

Click Here to Apply

(Note: the link will allow registrations once registrations open in March)

BEST is designed to introduce middle schoolers to the broad field of engineering. The Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering invites current middle school students to learn about the exciting field of engineering from Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering faculty, staff and students. The four-day, non-residential workshop focuses on hands-on engineering laboratory experiments and professionalism. BEST will cultivate young students' interest in engineering through an applied approach to engineering, exposure to the diverse paths an engineer can take and the impact an engineer can have in shaping the future.  2026 will be the 24th year that the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering offers the BEST workshop complementing its sister workshop, the Attracting Women into Engineering (AWE) program, to provide all middle schoolers the opportunity to explore engineering.

BEST 2024 Program Highlights

• Civil Engineering – Concrete Canoes and Canoe Races
• Chemical Engineering - Identifying chemical reactions in ice cream and other fun experiments
• Electrical and Computer Engineering – Algorithmic Reasoning, AI & Gaming
• Environmental Engineering – Environmental Nature Walk, Water Filtration Project
• Mechanical Engineering – Soft Robotics, Pantograph Mechanisms
• Additional Events – Hands-on team projects and competitions, Laboratory tours of the College of Engineering, Rowan University's Centennial Trail and Demonstrations

For questions, contact: Ms. Melanie Basantis at EngOutreach@rowan.edu

What is the difference between AWE, BEST, and RISE?

AWE and BEST are workshops for middle school students, 6th through 8th grades in the current school year.

RISE is for current High Schoolers, 9th through 12th graders. 

Are the programs residential camps?

No. 

Our summer programs are four-day, non-residential camps held in the mornings.

When is BEST? 

July 2026

9:00 AM to 1:00PM

How many applicants are you accepting? 

25

The Henry M. College of Engineering intentionally limits participants to ensure campers receive personalized attention, deep engagement while also forming lasting connections with like-minded peers.

Where are the summer camps located? 

On-campus at:

The Henry M. College of Engineering

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

We strategically switch between Rowan Hall and Engineering Hall to give students access to the full spectrum of facilities and learning environments.

When do applications open and close? 

Open: March 2026

Close: June 2026

Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with important information once your registration is complete.

Camp Details: Detailed camp information will be provided via email approximately two weeks before the camp start date.

How much does BEST cost?

$200

We carefully calculate tuition based on materials and resources needed to ensure an enriching experience at a reasonable cost for every child.

Refund Policy:

Full refund until June 10, 2026 and then $100 processing fee.