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. The K-12 Academic Year Programs are available through Discovery Hall with a variety of field trips, labs, and lectures designed especially for students of those ages. These programs are available… Read more
  2. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships to extraordinary young people, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of work. Application categories… Read more
  3. The Davidson Institute of Science Education is a non-profit organization that serves as the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science. Website lists educational science projects, contests… Read more
  4. Davidson THINK Summer Institute (THINK) is a three-week-residential program for exceptionally gifted students, ages 13 to 16. Located on the University of Nevada, Reno, THINK offers students the… Read more
  5. The United States Intelligence Community offers students a wide variety of excellent programs at the DIA to get a jumpstart on a career in intelligence. Academic Semester Internship Program: Academic… Read more
  6. The OSCAR Summer research program is an 8-week program where DSU and local-area high school students are mentored by OSCAR scientists and conduct research in various OSCAR laboratories. Research… Read more
  7. The USDA Pathways Program provides students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, and recent graduates programs with opportunities to explore USDA careers in the agricultural… Read more
  8. The National Agricultural Library is always looking for bright, talented people to help us develop innovative services, programs, and exhibits. Internships and volunteer opportunities are available… Read more
  9. In the Challenge, teams research, interpret, apply and then design an infographic that responds to 1 of 5 bioenergy topics. This contest is not held every year, but the materials are provided on the… Read more
  10. Volunteer internships provide students opportunities to complement their academic endeavors through direct experience with EERE in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. For those… Read more
  11. JBEI welcomes high school students to the lab each summer though iCLEM, Biotech Partners, and other partner programs. If you are a high school student at Berkeley, Oakland Tech, Antioch or San Marin… Read more
  12. The Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM) is an eight-week paid summer science intensive for economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors. The program seeks… Read more
  13. JBEI takes a limited number of interested, well-prepared high school students for research mentorships throughout the year for course credit. If you are interested, see the website for application… Read more
  14. Launched in 1991, the National Science Bowl® (NSB) is a highly competitive science education and academic event among teams of high school and middle school students who compete in a fast-paced… Read more
  15. Sponsored by PBS Kids, these contests challegne kids to design and build a structure and to post their results online. Projects are voted on by other kids. A fun project to do at home.
  16. To develop opportunities that inspire the global community of learners to utilize diverse approaches in applying 21st century skills and creativity. The Destination Imagination program is a fun,… Read more
  17. Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) is a nonprofit organization with 40 years of experience partnering with universities, training programs, and K-12 school systems in order to… Read more
  18. ProjectFUN's programs offer exciting learning experiences for students of all ages. These courses introduce students to a variety of fun and engaging topics in video game programming, art and… Read more
  19. It’s our mission to foster a learning community of diversity and excellence through memorable and innovative educational experiences led by the highest-quality instructors; building skills and… Read more
  20. Launched by tech educators at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy camps are the best place for students to get their start as designers, developers, programmers, engineers, animators,… Read more
  21. Digital Youth Divas is an out-of-school program that engages middle school girls, especially those from non-dominant communities, in design-based engineering and computer science activities driven by… Read more
  22. The annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to submit a 1-2 minute video describing a unique solution to an everyday problem for the chance to win $25,… Read more
  23. The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is the world's first science center devoted entirely to genetics education. The DNALC "invented" DNA camps in 1985, and since… Read more
  24. DolphinCamp is a seven-day program that introduces children to the amazing world of dolphins. Students meet DRC's resident dolphin population, learning to respect each dolphin as an individual… Read more
  25. Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, provides one of the oldest and most complete pre-college programs for gifted children in the state of Missouri. Two residential programs, Summerscape and… Read more
  26. The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization that has served over 2.8 million academically talented students in grades four through twelve since 1980. Each… Read more
  27. Duke Youth Programs is a part of Duke University Continuing Studies and has provided summer academic enrichment for academically motivated youth for over 35 years. Each summer approximately 650 youth… Read more
  28. TEEN EXPEDITIONS Earthwatch knows that young people understand their role in tackling today’s most pressing environmental concerns. So we’re empowering them to be part of the solution. Earthwatch… Read more
  29. Every year, generous foundations, corporations, and individuals concerned about our future leaders provide funding for Earthwatch fellowships for students. Fellowship funding is critical to make it… Read more
  30. ECU hosts numerous programs and camps for youth both on and off campus. Here are a few camps being offered during past summers: Coastal Studies Summer Camps Campus Recreation and Wellness STEAM… Read more
  31. CYBERMISSION is a web-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition for students in grades six through nine that promotes self-discovery and enables all students to… Read more
  32. Emagination is summer camp for kids who love technology! Sessions are two-weeks long so campers have time to become part of a community and make lasting friendships. Many campers attend multiple… Read more
  33. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the best technological universities in the country, and we strive to be an active and positive member of the community. We invite you and your kids to… Read more
  34. Pre-College offers challenging one-, three- and five-week summer programs for high school students. Programs are intensive, fun, and designed to teach students competitive, practical skills in one… Read more
  35. Emory Summer College is a nonresidential program in which exceptional high school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year may enroll in Emory undergraduate courses and earn college… Read more
  36. This is a non-credit summer program with both residential and day students. The Emory Pre-College Program (noncredit) offers students an opportunity to preview the best of college life: from… Read more
  37. Comprehensive listing of engineering competitions for students in grades K - 12
  38. Every year, the EngineerGirl website sponsors a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. The topic and detailed instructions for the contest are posted in the fall with a… Read more
  39. Every year, the EngineerGirl website sponsors a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world.  The topic and detailed instructions for the contest are posted in the fall with a… Read more
  40. The Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI) is a two-week, college-level interdisciplinary summer program for talented high-school students entering their junior and senior years. ESSYI… Read more
  41. The Envirothon is world’s largest high school-level natural resources education competition. NCF-Envirothon is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization established to coordinate the delivery of an… Read more
  42. Since 1985, Envision’s immersive career exploration and leadership development programs have inspired more than 800,000 students. Located at top college campuses across the country, Envision programs… Read more
  43. Epsilon Camp is a residential camp serving promising young mathematicians and their families through an intensive student program and parent workshop. This program is for children who are passionate… Read more
  44. The Experiment in International Living is the nation’s most experienced and respected provider of international education and experiential learning for high school students. For 85 years, our summer… Read more
  45. EXPLO summer programs allows students to investigate subjects they’re not likely to encounter during the school year. Our courses aren’t for credit and are ungraded. They encourage students to step… Read more
  46. Exploring Engineering at the University of Maryland (E2@UMD) is a one-week residential summer program for high school women (rising 11th and 12th graders) who are considering engineering as a… Read more
  47. High School Explainers, the Exploratorium’s youngest employees, are a diverse group of students who engage visitors at exhibits, lead demonstrations, and run many museum operations. Some are… Read more
  48. The ExploraVision competition for K-12 students engages the next generation in real world problem solving with a strong emphasis on STEM. ExploraVision challenges students envision and communicate… Read more
  49. Programs offer a space to build, create, think, design, explore, and play! Offered to all ages and interests in the arts, athletics, language, science & technology, sports and outdoor adventure… Read more