July 20-24, 2026
What if you could take a wild idea and turn it into something real? This summer, that’s exactly what students will do.
NEIA’s Design & Engineering track puts students through the same design-build-test cycle that professional engineers use every day — working with real tools, solving real problems, and building real things.
What Students Will Experience
In the Design Studio:
- Learn the engineering design process from concept to prototype
- Sketch, plan, and develop solutions to real-world challenges
- Collaborate with teammates to refine ideas before building
In the Innovation Lab:
- Work hands-on with 3D printers, laser cutters, and rapid prototyping tools
- Test and iterate on designs — just like professional engineers do
- Push through creative roadblocks to find solutions that actually work
By Friday:
- Present working prototypes that solve actual problems
- Showcase finished inventions to family at the end-of-week expo
Meet Your Instructor
Prachi Shah
Prachi brings hands-on engineering expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every build. With professional experience in design engineering and rapid prototyping, she guides students through the complete design-build-test cycle while keeping the energy high and the creative sparks flying.
Prachi excels at breaking down complex challenges into exciting, achievable projects — pushing students to bring their best effort to every build. Her teaching style emphasizes teamwork, creative problem-solving, and the thrill of watching an idea go from sketch to finished invention.
Why This Program Stands Out
Design & Engineering isn’t about following instructions — it’s about figuring things out. Students learn that failure is part of the process, iteration is the point, and the best inventions come from trying again. Whether your child dreams of building robots, designing products, or just wants to make something cool, this track gives them the tools and the confidence to do it.
The NEIA Experience
At NEIA, students learn by doing. The Design & Engineering track reflects our commitment to hands-on innovation, real-world problem solving, and the maker mindset that defines New England Innovation Academy.