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 opens in February 2026.
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!
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 middle and high school students attend both academic and non-academic classes at MIT. Spring HSSP 2026 student registration will open in February. Register for an account, and you’ll receive a notification email when registration opens.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
