The coming months are packed with great STEM opportunities. I hope you find something that sparks your curiosity!
National Programs and Events
Girls Who Code: Summer Pathways Program
With Girls Who Code’s free, virtual summer program, Pathways, students in grades 9-12 will learn to code, create tech projects that make a difference, and join a global community of students and industry mentors—no prior experience required! Explore emerging tech fields like AI, game design, and cybersecurity, and create purpose-driven projects that make a difference. The application deadline is April 10.
Silent Spring Summer Institute
Silent Spring Institute is hosting its second annual Summer Institute, a free one-week virtual program from July 6-10, 2026. This program is for high school students interested in learning about environmental health. Students will gain insight into toxicology, exposure science, chemistry, and community-engaged research. The curriculum highlights the latest scientific advances and their relevance to current environmental health issues. Registration for the program closes on June 5.
Splash Programs
In March and April, universities around the country will hold Splash programs, in which students take classes taught by college students. Many programs are free! Visit Learning Unlimited to see which universities offer them. Registration is required.
National Robotics Week: April 4-12, 2026
The mission of National Robotics Week is to inspire students and people of all ages to explore robotics and STEM-related fields. Find events nationwide!
Camp Invention
Camp Invention is the National Inventors Hall of Fame’s summer day camp program, featuring hands-on STEM experiences led by local educators. The curriculum focuses on creativity, problem-solving, and real-world innovation challenges designed for elementary-age students (K-6). There are over 1,500 camp programs run nationwide in schools, community centers, and other local facilities. Find a camp near you.
Register for Summer STEM Programs
Now is the time to register for STEM summer camps and apply to pre-college programs. Whether your child has a specific passion or is still exploring their interests, there are programs to suit every curiosity — from coding and robotics to engineering, biotechnology, marine biology, and medicine. Some camps go deep on a single subject, while others offer a broader introduction to multiple fields. Browse nationwide summer camp options, or, if you’re in Massachusetts, check out a curated list of 100+ STEM summer programs to find the right fit.
Featured Programs in Massachusetts
STEAM Ahead – Engineering Fellows Program
The Engineering Fellows Program is a selective, advanced year-long opportunity for current 10th and 11th-grade students ready to deepen their engagement in STEM and explore engineering at a higher level. Fellows participate in hands-on, project-based learning experiences that emphasize applied problem-solving, technical skill development, and the engineering design process. A key component of the program is a summer internship with Boston College’s Engineering Department, where students gain direct exposure to college-level research and work alongside faculty and researchers. This experience is designed to bridge the gap between high school learning and real-world engineering environments, while also building confidence, independence, and readiness for future academic and career pursuits. There is a $1500 stipend. Apply by May 1.
Youth Leader, Summer Learning Academy
The Youth Leader – Summer Learning Academy is a paid leadership opportunity for high school students to mentor and support younger students in a structured, hands-on learning environment. Youth Leaders assist with daily programming, help facilitate activities, and contribute to creating a positive and engaging experience for participants. Through this role, students develop key leadership, communication, teamwork, and responsibility skills while gaining real-world experience working with youth. The 5-week program runs July 6- August 7 at Blackstone Elementary School in the South End/Roxbury. Apply by May 15.
dynaMIT
dynaMIT, an MIT student organization, is hosting a free on-campus STEM summer program for local underserved students (rising grades 6–9). From discovering mathematical patterns in everyday life and learning about diseases, to investigating fingerprints in mock detective cases and exploring the life cycle of a star, the instructors inspire curiosity in STEM and empower students to design and innovate. Each student is paired with an MIT undergraduate mentor, fostering meaningful relationships through an engaging, hands-on curriculum. Applications are due by March 10.
68th Annual MA Region V (South Shore) High School Science & Engineering Fair
The South Shore High School Science & Engineering Fair returns on Saturday, March 14, at Bridgewater State University (BSU), and the community is invited to see the next generation of innovators in action from 3:00–4:00 PM at the Rondileau Student Center on the BSU campus. More than 135 students from 40 high schools will showcase their original, independent research projects – the culmination of months of curiosity, experimentation, and problem-solving. From cutting-edge engineering designs to breakthrough investigations in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and technology, these students are tackling real-world challenges with creativity and rigor. Throughout the day, projects will be evaluated by more than 50 scientists, engineers, educators, and industry professionals. Students will compete for awards, scholarships, and the opportunity to advance to the Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair. For more information, visit: mareg5.zfairs.com.
The First Launch Centennial: Celebrating Robert Goddard
March 16, 2026, marks 100 years since Dr. Robert Goddard launched the world’s first modern rocket, the “Kitty Hawk” of the Space Age. Join the Centennial celebration in Worcester, Auburn, and across the country, with free public events including model rocket launches, tours, exhibits, lectures, and a culminating multimedia event at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester on March 22. Learn more and find events at firstlaunchcentennial.org.
Discovery Museum Scholarship Application
The Discovery Museum in Acton, MA has announced the 2026 Discovery Museum Scholarship program, which will award four one-time $1,500 scholarships to high school seniors in Massachusetts who embody the Museum’s mission and values. All high school seniors residing in MA are eligible to apply. Award money can be used for the next step in your educational journey, such as college or trade school. Video or written applications are being accepted at bit.ly/DMScholarship2026 and must be received by March 15, 2026. Recipients will be notified in May.
Pathway BioMedX
For middle and high school students curious about medicine, biotechnology, bioengineering, or biomedical innovation, Pathway BioMedX offers hands-on learning in a STEM laboratory environment. Students work in small cohorts to conduct laboratory work and gain technical skills in areas such as DNA and protein analysis, clinical simulation, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and VR/AR applications in healthcare. Pathway BioMedX offers after-school semester-long enrichment that supports immersive, extended student projects, as well as intensive summer biomedical programs. By combining real scientific tools, guided experimentation, and mentorship, the program helps students develop scientific curiosity while gaining early exposure to careers in medicine and the life sciences. It is ideal for students who express a strong interest in medicine or biomedical sciences, enjoy exploring science beyond classroom requirements, seek intellectual challenge, and thrive in small, focused learning environments. The programs are held in Downtown Boston, close to a T stop. Request information about the summer program.
Summer STEM Programs at RSM
RSM Massachusetts schools are now enrolling K–5 students in two summer programs. The STEAM Summer Program (RSM Newton and Arlington) covers math, science, coding, engineering, art, and architecture, while the Math, Science & Arts Lab (RSM Nashua, Winchester, Brookline, and Andover) offers hands-on exploration through math challenges, science experiments, and art projects. Both programs welcome all ability levels, group students by grade, and focus on building curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a fun, social environment. Contact your local RSM branch for enrollment details.
Summer Science Weeks at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture
Dive into a week of discovery at Harvard Museums of Science & Culture’s Summer Science Weeks. Students entering grades 1–8 work both independently and collaboratively to examine real specimens, conduct hands-on experiments, create crafts, explore galleries, and play engaging games — all while diving into topics like geology, palaeontology, animal behaviour, ancient civilizations, and more. Advance registration required.
TiE Boston Entrepreneurship Summer Boot Camp
TiE Boston’s TYE Summer Boot Camp prepares rising 7th–9th graders for the world of entrepreneurship through a week-long intensive program running August 10–14, from 10am–3pm daily at the Cambridge Innovation Center in Kendall Square. Students collaborate with peers to build a solution to a pressing problem, learn from startup founders and industry experts, and develop confidence and business skills through a curriculum refined over 15+ years. The program is open to any student interested in entrepreneurship, STEM, or business. Learn more and apply here.
Calendar of Massachusetts Events
March 7: The MIT Museum is hosting Teen Science Cafe: Chronos and Cosmos. Explore time, space, and distant worlds with MIT astrophysics professor Julien de Wit and Northeastern physics professor Stefan Kautsch, alongside his student panelists, as they share their research journeys and what it’s really like to study the universe. This event is free for teens (ages 13-19). Registration is required.
March 14: The Massachusetts Region V Science & Engineering Fair will be held at Bridgewater State University. Region V is the largest educational region in the Commonwealth, encompassing schools in 75 cities and towns. The Fair is open to the public from 3pm-4pm.
March 22: Attend the Family Activities at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East. Join HMSC volunteers for a live story reading and hands-on, family-friendly activities at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East. Recommended for ages 5–12. Admission to the museum is free!
March 28: Northeastern Splash offers students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to take fun, informative workshops led by undergraduates. Registration opens soon for this free event.
March 28: Wentworth Institute of Technology invites high school students in grades 10-11 to test their math skills at STEM Challenge: MATHQuest. Participants will tackle real-world math challenges, connect with faculty, and explore STEM pathways at Wentworth. Register now.
April 11: Join for a joyful morning celebrating Women in STEM at Acera’s Annual Girls in STEM Celebration in Winchester. This year’s theme, “Brilliant Minds, Bold Designs,” is an event for all students and families to come together to celebrate the contributions of women in STEM, while exploring the creativity, curiosity, and innovation that drive discovery. Students in PreK–9th grade will have the opportunity to tinker, build, and experiment at a variety of interactive STEM stations designed to spark curiosity and hands-on learning. This is a free event, but please reserve your spot.
April 12: Clark University Splash provides a full day of classes taught by Clark students for students in grades 5-12. Registration for this free event will be open from March 9 to April 10.
April 20-26: During Massachusetts Space Week, The Space Consortium will bring free public space events, including its signature Space Film Festival, a one-of-a-kind Space Careers and Resources Fair, expert panels, stargazing nights, and interactive workshops to inspire space enthusiasts of all ages. This year’s theme is Reaching the Sky! Check back on the website for event details.
April 24: Come see the world through the eyes of a scientist at Meet a Scientist at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Meet Harvard scientists, ask them questions, and discover what their research reveals about our planet and our human place within it. Learn about sea slugs, plant chemicals, human evolution, and more. This event is appropriate for children and adults of all ages. Regular museum admission rates apply.
April 25: Science on State Street is an annual festival organized by the Christa McAuliffe Center in collaboration with MetroWest STEM Education Network at Framingham State University. This event emphasizes themes connected to our planet. Explore STEM and its contribution to promoting environmental justice, renewable energy, and sustainability. Science on State Street is a free, family-friendly, and interactive event!
May 2: The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts is hosting STEM Fest at Camp Cedar Hill in Waltham. Participants explore fun, hands-on STEM challenges while choosing their own adventure and deciding what areas and topics to explore. The event is open to all Girl Scout levels, with activities and experiments designed specifically for different age groups. Save the date!
May 16: High school students are invited to learn about biomechanics and celebrate National Biomechanics Day with Harvard’s Robotics Labs in Boston. Tour state-of-the-art motion capture labs, learn about your body mechanics and muscle physiology, and the wearable sensors that make this possible, discuss responsible research with current Clinical Research Managers, and more! Register for this free event.
May 22: Watch big astronomy at the Framingham State University Planetarium. Take a journey through observatories used by professional astronomers in the gorgeous mountains of Chile, one of the best astronomical observing locations on Earth. For families and all ages. Purchase tickets.
May 30: All ages are welcome at the NextGen STEMfest, featuring 45+ exhibitors, university panels, and hands-on STEM activities throughout the day at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation in Waltham.
Image Credit: Discovery Museum Amazing Airways Sculpture © by Jessica Vultaggio
