Race Engineering summer camp: program for young people from 15 to 18 years old

A race engineering summer camp is a two-week residential program at the Dallara Academy in Parma, Italy, where young people aged 15 to 18 learn how racing cars are designed, with access to the laboratories and simulators of a real motorsport manufacturer.

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What makes this program special?

Dallara Academy isn't just a school. It is home to one of the most respected companies in the motorsport world, responsible for building cars for Formula 1, IndyCar and other important categories. During two intensive weeks, you will have access to the laboratories, simulators, and knowledge of engineers who work with the most famous teams on the planet.

As with other career programs for young people, this camp combines advanced theory with real practice. You don't just learn about aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics, you build and test a Formula 1 car at scale.

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How is the academic program structured?

The program is divided into three complementary modules that guarantee a complete experience:

Engineering and design fundamentals

Here you learn the basic principles that govern race car design. From aerodynamic concepts to the materials used in construction, each class connects theory with real application in the world of motorsport.

Technical skills and simulation

This module puts you in the position of a real engineer. Using the same professional simulators that F1 teams use, you experience how small adjustments can make huge differences in a car's performance.

Industry experience and inspiration

Visits to the Ferrari Museum and the Imola Racetrack complete your immersion in the world of Formula 1. You get an up-close look at the history and present of this fascinating sport.

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Why choose this summer camp?

While other exchange programs for teenagers focus mainly on the language, this program goes further. You develop real technical skills, work with cutting-edge technology, and anchor your passion for engineering in practical experiences.

Key benefits include:

• Access to professional engineering laboratories
• Classes with Dallara engineers
• Construction of functional prototypes
• Recognized international certification
• Networking with young people who are passionate about technology

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What happens beyond the classroom?

The program is not limited to technical aspects. You live in the Camplus IT university residence, a safe and international environment that promotes independence and global friendships. Evening activities, cultural excursions, and leisure time balance the intensive study schedule perfectly.

The location in Parma offers even more advantages. This historic city in the Emilia-Romagna region is considered the heart of the Italian automotive industry, home not only to Dallara, but also to influences from the country's leading automakers.

What essential skills are developed?

Similar to what happens in mechanical engineering programs at European universities, this camp develops skills that go far beyond the classroom:

• Analytical thinking: Every engineering problem requires deep analysis and creativity
• teamwork: Complex projects require effective collaboration
• Technical communication: Present ideas clearly and precisely
• Problem solving: Finding innovative solutions within real limitations

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How does the camp prepare the young person for the future?

This program works as a true bridge between high school and higher education. Young people who participate frequently discover or confirm their vocation for technical areas, arriving more prepared for important career choices and university education.

As with other specialized career programs, this camp offers a real competitive advantage. Engineering universities value candidates with international practical experience, and companies in the automotive sector recognize the quality of the Dallara education.

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What is the international environment like?

One of the great strengths of the program is the diversity of participants. Young people from different countries come together with a common passion for engineering and motorsport. This cultural mix enriches the experience, expands horizons, and creates connections that can last a lifetime.

English is the official language of the program, providing natural linguistic immersion while you focus on what really matters: learning high-level engineering.

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What are the requirements and ideal profile?

To participate, you need to:

• Be between 15 and 18 years old
• Demonstrate genuine interest in engineering or technology
• Have intermediate English
• Be attending high school

No specific prior knowledge in automotive engineering is required. The program was designed to receive young people with different levels of technical experience.

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Is the Dallara camp the destination or the first step of the vocational project?

A race engineering summer camp in Parma is an intense technical immersion. Before choosing the next edition or a longer career path, align technical interest, destination, and language with a senior consultant and the curation of vocational summer camp and the race / automotive programme.

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FAQ: frequently asked questions about the race engineering summer camp

What is the program's age range?

The program serves young people aged 15 to 18. The range is designed for those close to the university choice who want to test race engineering before deciding.

Is previous karting or engineering experience required?

No. The program starts with the fundamentals and moves on to simulation and practice. Previous karting experience helps, but it is not a requirement.

Is advanced English required?

No. Intermediate English is enough to follow the classes, and living with young people from other countries accelerates fluency during the program.

What does the young person take from the program into the university application?

Proven hands-on experience in race engineering, with project work, simulation and contact with industry professionals, which goes into the application as a consistent international extracurricular activity.

How far in advance should I plan?

Ideally 6 to 9 months ahead, to secure a place in the class, the English placement and the travel documentation.

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Be Easy: boutique exchange consultancy

Be Easy supports families who want to turn interest in engineering and motorsport into a structured project, with programme curation and a dedicated senior consultant. Contact us for specialised senior consultancy.