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

The race engineering summer camp at Dallara Academy in Parma lasts two weeks and is for young people aged 15 to 18. Enrolment for 2027 is already open.

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What makes this programme special?

Dallara Academy is not just a school. It is home to one of the most respected companies in motorsport, the team behind cars for Formula 1, IndyCar and other major series. Over two intensive weeks, you get exclusive access to the labs, simulators and knowledge of engineers who work with the most famous teams on the planet.

Like other career programmes for young people, this camp mixes advanced theory with real practice. You do not only learn aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics: you build and test a scale Formula 1 car.

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How is the academic programme structured?

The programme splits into three complementary modules that make a complete experience:

Engineering and design fundamentals

Here you learn the basic principles behind race-car design. From aerodynamics to construction materials, every class connects theory to real use in motorsport.

Technical skills and simulation

This module puts you in a working engineer's seat. Using the same professional simulators F1 teams use, you see how small adjustments can change a car's performance.

Industry experience and inspiration

Visits to the Ferrari Museum and the Imola circuit complete the immersion in Formula 1. You see the history and the present of the sport up close.

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Why choose this summer camp?

While other teen exchange programmes focus mainly on language, this programme goes further. You build real technical skills, work with current technology and ground a passion for engineering in practical work.

Unique benefits include:

• Access to professional engineering labs
• Classes with Dallara engineers
• Building working prototypes
• A recognised international certificate
• A network of young people who care about technology

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What happens beyond the classroom?

The programme is not only technical. You live at the Camplus IT university residence, a safe international setting that supports independence and friendships. Evening activities, cultural trips and downtime balance the intensive study schedule.

Parma adds another advantage. This historic city in Emilia-Romagna is seen as the heart of the Italian car industry, home to Dallara and to the influence of the country's main manufacturers.

What essential skills are developed?

Similar to what happens in mechanical engineering programmes at European universities, this camp builds skills that go well beyond the classroom:

• Analytical thinking: every engineering problem needs deep analysis and creativity
• Teamwork: complex projects need real collaboration
• Technical communication: presenting ideas clearly and precisely
• Problem solving: finding solutions inside real constraints

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How does the camp prepare a young person's future?

This programme works as a bridge between high school and university. Participants often discover or confirm a technical vocation and arrive better prepared to choose a career and a degree.

Like other specialised career programmes, the camp offers a concrete edge. Engineering universities value candidates with international practical experience, and automotive companies recognise Dallara training.

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What is the international environment like?

One of the strengths of the programme is the mix of participants. Young people from many countries meet around a shared passion for engineering and motorsport. That cultural mix enriches the experience, widens horizons and creates connections that can last for years.

English is the official language of the programme, so language immersion happens naturally while the focus stays on high-level engineering.

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What are the requirements and the ideal profile?

To take part, you need to:

• Be between 15 and 18
• Show a genuine interest in engineering or technology
• Have intermediate English
• Be in high school

No specific prior knowledge of race engineering is required. The programme is designed for young people with different technical backgrounds.

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

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

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FAQ: common questions about the race engineering summer camp

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What is the age range of the programme?

The programme is for young people aged 15 to 18. The range is meant for anyone close to a university choice who wants to test race engineering before deciding.

Do you need prior experience with karting or engineering?

No. The programme starts with the fundamentals and moves into simulation and practice. Prior karting experience helps, but it is not a requirement.

Do you need advanced English?

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

What does the young person take from the programme into a university application?

Proven practical experience in race engineering, a project, simulation and contact with industry professionals, which enters the application as a consistent international extracurricular.

How far ahead should I plan?

Ideally 6 to 9 months ahead, to secure a place in the group, English levelling and travel documents.

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Be Easy: boutique exchange consultancy

Be Easy supports families who want to turn an interest in engineering and motorsport into a project with a method, with curated programmes and a dedicated senior consultant. Get in touch with us for specialised senior guidance.