Advanced Snowmobile Challenge operates within Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program, a unique, multi-year, interdisciplinary, project-based program available to all students. Instead of following the traditional graduation route that involves a single senior design project, Michigan Technological University offers the Enterprise Program, a unique, hands-on alternative that lets students gain real-world engineering and business experience over multiple years.
Through Enterprise, students join a multidisciplinary team that operates much like an actual company, tackling real projects for industry sponsors, national competitions, or university research partners. Each team focuses on a specific theme or technical area, such as clean energy, aerospace, robotics, or, in our case, Advanced snowmobile design and innovation.
Students who choose the Enterprise pathway spend a minimum of four semesters on their team, typically spanning their junior and senior years after being accepted through the application process. This includes two semesters dedicated to a capstone project and two semesters integrated with senior design, all within the same team environment. Each capstone semester is worth one academic credit, while each senior design semester is worth two. Although it’s only required during those four semesters, students can join as early as the second semester of their freshman year to gain experience, learn from upperclassmen, and become major contributors as they progress. Early participation can also count toward Enterprise module classes, each worth one academic credit.
Once you join an Enterprise team, it should be treated like any other class, requiring time and commitment. Most teams expect a set number of participation hours per semester for Advanced Snowmobile, which is about five hours a week or roughly 70 hours per semester. While this might sound demanding, it’s easily manageable if you’re passionate about the projects and enjoy hands-on, real-world engineering experience.
The Enterprise experience gives students extended time to develop their technical, leadership, and communication skills while contributing to projects that have genuine industry relevance. It’s a pathway designed for those who want to go beyond the classroom, applying their coursework to solve complex, open-ended problems in a collaborative, professional setting. Students who choose the Enterprise pathway often graduate with stronger resumes and greater interest from company recruiters.
To learn more, please visit the Enterprise Website.
To learn more about other advanced motorsports enterprises, please visit the Advanced Motorsports Enterprises website.