Opportunity Guide I Summer, Enrichment & Activities Guide

For a child interested in discovering more about the STEM subject areas - science, technology, engineering and math - there are numerous school-based, out-of-school and summer enrichment programs where she can build skills and have fun. From joining a math circle to competing in math competitions, there are many math-based extracurricular activities to discover and enjoy. If your child is tech-minded and loves figuring out how things work, look for engineering, robotics, and computer classes to engage her imagination. If her interest is in the laboratory sciences, there are many unique, hands-on after school science programs themed around particular areas of science that often include hands-on lab experiences. A child who is passionate about and excels in any of the STEM subject areas will find increasingly rigorous and selective opportunities available to her.



  1. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) - Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
    Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a direct mentor-student relationship between Department of Defense scientists and talented high school seniors; an unparalleled opportunity.… Read more
  2. AstroCamp Summer Adventure Camp - Virginia
    The rolling hills of Staunton Meadows and Lake Orion create a unique summer camp experience for boys and girls ages 8-14! AstroCamp Virginia is a science and adventure summer camp located in Clover,… Read more
  3. C-Tech² - Computers and Technology at Virginia Tech
    C-Tech2 is designed to help you explore all the engineering options at Virginia Tech. You will be assigned to a small group of other young women during the day and participate in hands-on activities… Read more
  4. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
    The George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program was established in 2007 by Dr. Lance Liotta, Dr. Emanuel Petricoin III, Dr. Virginia Espina, and Amy Adams to give high… Read more
  5. James Madison University Youth Programs - Arboretum Explorer Camp
    The Arboretum Explorer Camp is the perfect place for budding naturalists, animal lovers, and young outdoor enthusiasts. Join us on the beautiful grounds of the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum as we learn… Read more
  6. James Madison University Youth Programs - College for Kids
    College for Kids is an enrichment program for children in grades 1-8. Children will work with James Madison University faculty and graduate students, as well as experts from the community and… Read more
  7. James Madison University Youth Programs - Expanding Your Horizons (EYH)
    Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) is a one-day math and science conference for girls in grades 6-9. The girls participate in exciting, hands-on workshops organized by JMU faculty, attend science… Read more
  8. James Madison University Youth Programs - Robotics Camp
    This exciting robotics camp is an advanced program designed for middle school students who want to push robots to the limits. We’ll be using the latest EV3 robot from LEGO. This platform is a… Read more
  9. James Madison University Youth Programs - Space Camp
    Using JMU’s unique facilities such as the John C. Wells Planetarium and Science on a Sphere- camp-goers will get a perspective of Earth and other planets like an astronaut would. We seek to inspire… Read more
  10. James Madison University Youth Programs
    JMU hosts a wide variety of youth programs including day-long coding programs, dual enrollment programs, courses in physics, robotics, and may more. See the website for the full array of youth camps… Read more
  11. James Madison University Youth Programs - Summer Honors Institute
    The JMU Summer Honors Institute is a unique week-long program where talented rising high school juniors and seniors get a first-hand look at life in a dynamic university and its Honors college. As a… Read more
  12. James Madison University Youth Programs - Saturday Morning Physics
    Come and explore the amazing properties of waves as scientists use them in music, nanotechnology, astronomy, and nuclear physics. JMU Physics and Astronomy presents an educational event series… Read more
  13. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center High School Internships
    NASA internships, fellowships and scholarships leverage NASA’s unique missions and programs to enhance and increase the capability, diversity and size of the nation’s future STEM (science, technology… Read more
  14. Nature Camp
    Nature Camp is a private, non-profit, residential, co-ed summer camp specializing in natural history and environmental science education, one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Nestled in an… Read more
  15. Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum Explainers Program
    The NASM Explainers Program hires high school and college students to help visitors better understand the Museum’s collection, making person-to-person connections with our iconic artifacts and… Read more
  16. Sweet Briar College Explore Engineering for High School Girls
    Explore Engineering is a series of immersive engineering design courses for high school sophomore, junior and senior girls. Weekend events are offered in the spring and fall, and a weeklong pre-… Read more
  17. Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Governor's School
    VIMS Governor's School The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Governor's School is a 4-week summer residential school provided in cooperation with Christopher Newport University. Since 1993… Read more
  18. Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Summer Aide Program
    A limited number of paid positions may be available at VIMS campus during the summer, depending on faculty need and funding. High school students may apply for these temporary positions. To be… Read more