CBS Summer School

The Carl Benz Summer School is a great opportunity to gain first impressions of student life and to learn more about your possible future career in Mechanical Engineering.

Striving to be an engineer?

Exploring Sustainable Solutions: CBS Summer School in Mechanical Engineering for High School Innovators

The CBS Academy invites high school students aged 16 and older to explore the fascinating world of engineering through hands-on workshops, inspiring lectures, and real-world excursions. Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), each activity demonstrates how engineering can contribute to solving today’s global challenges.

While students gain exposure to a range of engineering disciplines and their connection to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Academy places its primary emphasis on mechanical engineering, the B.Sc. program at KIT that is offered in English. Through this focus, participants discover how mechanical engineering forms the foundation for innovations in renewable energy, transportation, aerospace, and environmental systems. From understanding how bridges are built to exploring technologies for clean water and sustainable mobility, students experience how mechanical engineering shapes real-world solutions for a sustainable future.

The Summer 2026 program is available in two formats: two one-week sessions for those seeking an intensive introduction, and a two-week session for students who want a more immersive experience with additional excursions and cultural highlights. Across all sessions, the Academy emphasizes experiential learning, teamwork, and the exploration of engineering as a driver of sustainable solutions.

New in 2026: CBS Parents Summer Program. In response to frequent requests, parents accompanying their children may now participate in a dedicated program. The CBS Parents Program provides opportunities to connect with other families considering university study in Germany, join selected excursions, and engage in cultural activities. This parallel track fosters exchange, networking, and shared insights – while offering parents their own meaningful experience alongside the student program. (Please check back for more information soon)

Information

Dates: 

  • Week 1: June 29th-July 4rd, 2026
  • Week 2: July 6th-10th, 2026
  • Two-Week Program: July 20th-31st, 2026

Location: Carl Benz School of Engineering, Karlsruhe, Germany

Target Group: Technically-inclined high school students between the ages of 16 and 19.

Teaching language: English

Registration: Register here for the CBS Summer School 2026

Accommodation: Please be aware that the accommodation is not included in the price and will have to be organized by you.

View our flyer: Take a look here.

 

Summer School Program 

Please note that while we strive to offer a comprehensive program, not all lectures and workshops may take place every week. The final schedule is subject to change based on instructor availability, so be sure to check for updates.

A draft schedule will be sent about a month before the program, and the absolute final schedule will be provided during registration at 8:30 AM on the Monday of the week you registered for. Stay tuned for updates and announcements, and get ready for an unforgettable Summer School experience!

  • Lectures:

    • The Physics and Mathematics of Bridges: Why They Stay Up (and Sometimes Collapse)
      This lecture delves into the fundamentals of engineering forces and structures, examining key concepts like statics, bending, resonance, and real-world failures, while showcasing the latest innovations in bridge design, including smart technologies and sustainable materials.

    • Principles of Mechanical Engineering
      This lecture introduces the core principles of mechanical engineering, covering topics such as forces, energy systems, and material properties, with a focus on sustainable design and innovation in engineering solutions.

    • Electromotor and Generator: Hands-On Engineering Workshop
      This lecture and workshop provide a hands-on exploration of electromotors and generators, focusing on energy conversion, magnetic fields, and electrical efficiency, with real-world applications in AC and DC electricity.

  • Workshops:

    • Design Processes
      This workshop will talk about things like the steps engineers take to design and create mechanical systems, how to solve real-world problems with creative thinking, and the basics of tools like gears, levers, and CAD software. You‘ll also learn how to prototype ideas, test designs, and explore how engineering makes a difference in sustainability in everyday life.

    • Sustainable Solutions: Stirling Engine Build Session
      This workshop explores the principles of thermodynamics and energy conversion by building a Stirling engine, offering a hands-on experience in sustainable engineering and innovation.

    • Water Filtration Project
      This lecture and workshop focus on designing water filtration systems for outdoor scenarios, addressing applications in developing countries, and exploring fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and material selection to promote sustainable access to clean water. 

    • Sustainable Business Process Managament and Process Mining
      This lecture and workshop explore sustainable business process management and process mining techniques, emphasizing data-driven approaches to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices in organization.

    • Computer Aided Engineering
      This lecture delves into the use of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools to optimize design processes, improve efficiency, and innovate solutions in engineering.

  • Excursions:

    • Mercedes-Benz Museum Sindelfingen (Stuttgart)
      The visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum will enrich students' Summer School experience by showcasing the history of automotive innovation and design. It highlights advancements in sustainable technologies, such as electric vehicles and eco-friendly production methods, encouraging students to think about engineering's role in creating a sustainable future.

    • Daimler Trucks, Production Plant Visit (Wörth)
      During the visit to the Daimler Wörth production plant, students will observe the entire vehicle production process, from assembly to quality control, gaining insight into advanced manufacturing techniques and sustainable practices in the automotive industry. 

    • Iffezheim Laufwasserkraftwerk (Hydropowerplant)
      During the visit to the Iffezheim Laufwasserkraftwerk, students will explore the role of hydropower in renewable energy production, focusing on how water flow is harnessed to generate clean electricity. They will gain an understanding of the environmental benefits of hydropower as a sustainable energy source and its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting efforts to mitigate climate change. 

FAQs CBS Summer School

No, housing is not included. The CBS Academy is an academic program - not a supervised vacation camp - and takes place during the semester, when campus dorms are fully booked. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodations, and families should note that 24-hour supervision is not provided. To assist, we provide a curated list of nearby hotels offering discounts for Academy participants. Additionally, a WhatsApp group will be created for students who wish to join, allowing them to connect and coordinate housing arrangements together.

Yes! Students who are 15 are welcome to join the program, provided they are accompanied by a legal adult guardian. The guardian will supervise during evenings and overnight hours when the program is not in session, ensuring a safe and supportive experience while still allowing students to fully enjoy the Academy’s activities.

The Parents Program offers a carefully balanced mix of guided excursions and leisure time for parents accompanying students to Germany for the CBS Summer Academy. Participants will have the opportunity to share some of the same experiences as their children – such as a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum or the Technomuseum Speyer’s interactive exhibits – while also enjoying adult-focused activities. Highlights include beer or wine tastings, a city tour of Karlsruhe, and an excursion to the historic city of Heidelberg. On days without scheduled events, parents receive curated suggestions for independent exploration, ensuring a rich and flexible experience throughout their stay. More information about cost and details of the Parents Program will be provided in Spring 2026.

One-Week Program: Exploring Sustainable Solutions - CBS Summer School in Mechanical Engineering for High School Innovators
The one-week program offers an intensive, hands-on introduction to engineering, designed for students who want to dive straight into the action. Participants enjoy full days packed with interactive workshops, stimulating lectures, and excursion highlights that showcase real-world applications of engineering. They get a concentrated experience of mechanical engineering in action — from exploring how structures are designed and vehicles engineered, to understanding sustainable solutions in energy and mobility — all while collaborating in teams and connecting theory to practice. This format is ideal for students seeking a high-impact, immersive taste of engineering in a compact timeframe.

Engineering in Depth: CBS Extended Summer School for High School Innovators

The CBS Extended Summer School invites high school students aged 16 and older to immerse themselves in a two-week journey that blends engineering exploration with cultural discovery. Designed for those who wish to go beyond an introduction and take more time to connect, reflect, and deepen their understanding, this program unfolds at a more deliberate pace while offering expanded opportunities for engagement.

In addition to the hands-on workshops and lectures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals that define our one-week programs, participants in the extended track benefit from:

  • Additional engineering-focused excursions to leading research facilities and industry sites, bringing theory to life through direct encounters with cutting-edge practice.
  • Enriched cultural highlights, including a visit to Heidelberg and the renowned Das Fest (a quintessential KIT student tradition) in Karlsruhe, fostering international friendship and cultural exchange.
  • Time for reflection and collaboration, allowing participants to build stronger peer networks, develop more substantial projects, and experience campus life more fully.

By combining academic rigor with cultural immersion, the two-week program provides a uniquely holistic experience -- ideal for students who want to not only explore engineering but also live it in context.

Summer School Experience

You got excited about Mechanical Engineering? 

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