Welcome to 2026! Here’s what’s coming up as the new year gets underway.
National Programs and Events
America’s Youth AI Festival
Day of AI and MIT RAISE’s America’s Youth AI Festival (July 17-19, 2026) will celebrate the creativity, leadership, and innovation of students across the United States who are shaping the future of AI. Students ages 13-18 can submit a project showcasing their ideas about AI’s role in society, individually or as a team, using Day of AI toolkits, curriculum, and resources. Coinciding with the country’s 250th anniversary, the Festival will highlight the impact of AI across a variety of disciplines, including civics, visual arts, performing arts, and designing a better world. More information and resources for students, educators, and parents are on the Day of AI USA website.
The submission window for the “Me, Myself, and AI” contest, in which students are encouraged to submit artworks imagining the futures of their communites, is now open through March 31, while an “AI Live” contest asking students to submit videos of music, dance, writing, and or theater performances sharing their perspective on AI opens on February 10 and runs through March 31. In addition, an “AI for a Better World” student competition, which asks students to address a problem in their community using AI, will run from February 17 to March 13, with further details available at dayofaiusa.org.
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 who’ve got your back—no prior experience required! Explore emerging tech fields like AI, game design, and cybersecurity, and create purpose-driven projects that make a difference. Application Deadlines: Apply by February 25 for priority consideration or by April 10 for the final deadline.
Live “Earth-to-Mars” Virtual Event
On February 4 at 3pm EST, kids can take part in a free live virtual event that lets them communicate in real time with a simulated Mars mission — surrounding the same 10-minute communication delay experienced in a real-life Mars mission. In partnership with Outschool educator analog astronaut Tom Bickmore, the 80-minute event connects kids live with a Mars analog crew stationed at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah. Participants will send questions, collaborate and submit predictions during the delay, and then receive responses from the crew, turning waiting time into real space research. This event is for kids ages 5-18. Register now.
HMChO: Chemistry Olympiad
On February 21, students from Harvard and MIT are hosting HMChO, a free virtual chemistry Olympiad open to all high school students worldwide! It’s designed to mimic the US National Chemistry Olympiad and prepare students for that competition. Register now.
National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB)
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl is a high school academic competition that tests students’ knowledge of ocean sciences. Regional NOSB competitions are held at universities, research institutions, laboratories, science centers, and aquaria nationwide. Use the map to find details, such as the competition date, location, and the regional coordinator’s contact information, for your closest regional competition. If you don’t have a competition near you, you can compete head-to-head virtually on Zoom in the Virtual Sponge Bowl on March 21 and 22.
Autodesk Instructables’ Contests for Students
Autodesk is currently running two design contests for students: Let There Be Speed (due March 16) and Make It Heal (due May 26), as well as other contests for all ages. These contests are a great opportunity to work on a hands-on project at home!
Silent Spring Summer Institute
Silent Spring Institute is hosting its second annual Summer Institute program, 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, 2026.
Work It Out Wombats!
Three brand-new Work It Out Wombats! episodes are now available on PBS KIDS! Watch Malik, Zadie, and Zeke and their friends welcome Devonte J. Squirrel and his maman and papa (a new family who moved to the Treeborhood all the way from Haiti). See how Zadie faces her fear of getting a haircut. Learn how Louisa, who misses a very special Clothespin Festival, creates a foolproof way to hear about upcoming events. And, discover how a smart device is a poor substitute for a friend on Malik’s playdate. Episodes are available on PBS KIDS, PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and the PBS KIDS Video App.
Planning for Summer Camps
Winter is a great time to consider STEM summer camps and pre-college programs. Many programs fill up fast, and some require applications. Learn about nationwide summer camps as well as online instructor-led programs. If you live in Massachusetts, review my extensive list of 100+ STEM summer camps. If you’re unsure where to start and need help, I offer families personalized consulting services.
Featured Programs in Massachusetts
Spring HSSP at MIT
Spring HSSP returns in 2026 from Feb 28–Apr 11! HSSP is a multi-weekend program in which hundreds of students in grades 7-12 attend both academic and non-academic classes at MIT. The registration deadline for equal class selection consideration is February 17. Spring HSSP classes have limited capacity, and the first phase of registration is a lottery in which everyone has an equal chance to get into the classes they rank for. Cost: $60. Generous need-based financial aid is provided. Registration details are available at https://esp.mit.edu/hssp26.
The Marjot Foundation: Environmental Science Research
The Marjot Foundation funds independent research in environmental sciences with projects designed by high school students. Motivated students or teams of students in grades 9-12 from New England and New York are welcome to apply for Marjot Foundation grants. Applications are due April 20.
dynaMIT: Summer Program at MIT
dynaMIT is a decade-old, free-of-charge STEM summer day program for students with low income and/or limited exposure to STEM in the greater Boston area. Students in grades 6-9 participate in a week of hands-on science and engineering experiments, work with MIT student mentors, and bond with other students. Complete this form to receive more information about dynaMIT and the application cycle, which opens in early 2026.
MassRobotics BOOST Summer Program
BOOST (Boys Optimizing Opportunities in STEM and Technology) is an intensive, one-week program for high school boys seeking hands-on experience in engineering and technology. During the program, participants will dive into fabrication, electronics, and programming while exploring the dynamic world of robotics and manufacturing. The program serves diverse male high school students (Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors) with a passion for robotics and technology, and priority will be given to those enrolled in Boston Public Schools. Applications are due by March 1.
MassRobotics Summer Drone Academy 2026
MassRobotics will be hosting Brown University and Duckietown for an exciting week (July 6-10) of learning about “What makes Drones Fly“, sponsored by Amazon Robotics. Students who have completed their freshman year of high school will complete all tasks required to build and program a drone. This is an exciting process that includes soldering, wiring electronic components, integration of sensors, flying of the drone and more. Don’t miss out on this dynamic opportunity; space is limited. Applications are due by February 28.
Calendar of Massachusetts Events
January 17-18: Einstein’s Workshop in Burlington is hosting free drop-ins! Come play with STEAM-themed toys and games from 10am-6pm! Interested in signing up for classes starting on Jan. 24? Ask the team your questions while your kids play.
January 31: To honor the 40th Anniversary of the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger and the STS-51L crew, the Christa McAuliffe Center & Planetarium at Framingham State University presents Challenger Remembrance: Octave of Light by Multiverse Concert Series. Purchase tickets for the 3pm and 5:30pm concerts.
February 7: Shake off the winter blues and release your inner scientist at Harvard Museum of Natural History’s I ♥ Science! This popular annual event offers the chance to interact with professional scientists and amateur collectors, while also trying your hand at simple science explorations. Meet Harvard scientists who study how our brains learn and how plants behave, and look closely at what DNA tells us about animals! See spectacular shells from around the world and even bring one home. Experiment with sound made from rocks or seen in water. Look closely at insect metamorphosis. This event has something for everyone and is appropriate for children and adults of all ages. Regular museum admission rates apply.
February 14-22: The MIT Museum has many activities planned for February school vacation week, including extended Maker Hub and Learning Lab hours, tours, gallery cart demos, and family workshops. Except for family workshops, all activities are free with museum admission.
February 16-20: Mass Audubon offers nature-based school vacation camps and programs at Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries statewide for ages 4.5-12.
February 17-19: The Christa McAuliffe Center & Planetarium at Framingham State University is hosting space science programs for grades 5-8 during the February school vacation. Get more information and register.
February 17-20: During the school vacation week, The Advent School in Boston is holding Restaurant Ready!—an exciting, hands-on adventure where imagination meets innovation for students ages 5-12. Young chefs will plan menus, design kitchens, and engineer their very own restaurants using cardboard and recyclable materials. Along the way, they’ll explore STEM concepts like problem-solving, design thinking, measurement, and structural engineering as they test ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and refine their creations. Cost: $400. Get registration details.
February 19: Wentworth Institute of Technology is hosting Engineers: Make a World of Difference. This free program is open to students in grades 5-8 looking to learn more about engineering and celebrate National Engineers Week. Join the mailing list to be notified when registration opens.
February 28: Wentworth Institute of Technology invites high school students in grades 10-11 to test their coding skills at STEM Challenge: CODEClash, a hands-on coding competition. Participants will tackle real-world programming challenges, connect with faculty, and explore STEM pathways at Wentworth. Register now.
February 28: Harvard Museum of Natural History is hosting Science Spotlights: Amazing Axolotls! Have you ever wondered what makes axolotls so unique? Do you want to learn more about these fascinating creatures? Join Dr. Jessica Whited and explore the natural history of axolotls and how they are helping scientists unlock clues about how body parts can be regenerated. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Regular museum admission rates apply.
Early March: MIT Blueprint is a weekend-long learnathon and hackathon for high school students on MIT’s campus. All high school students are eligible to apply, and all levels of coding experience are welcome! Free event! Applications for Blueprint 2026 will open in January 2026—fill out this form to be notified as soon as the app is live.
March 14-15: MIT’s popular Spark program for grades 7-10 is coming back this year! Create an account to be alerted when registration opens.
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-3:45pm.
March 14: RSM is hosting a Children’s Business Fair for students in grades 3-12 at Hult International Business School in Cambridge from 12-4pm. Students will use math to bring their ideas to life. They’ll gain confidence, learn savvy money management, and proudly showcase their business ideas to the community. Registration deadline is February 20.
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: 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.
