Parents’ Guide to 100+ STEM Summer Camps in Massachusetts

Editor’s Note: Many organizations are planning to hold in-person summer programs this year. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, some are still making a decision about their format for summer 2022 or have chosen to go virtual or pause their program.

Are you on the lookout for a STEM summer program? Whether your child wants to explore a new topic, develop skills, or just have some fun over the summer, Massachusetts has a lot to offer. Our state’s vibrant and progressive STEM ecosystem—comprising universities, educators, non-profits, and companies ranging from innovative startups to established organizations—is the foundation for many diverse and unique programs.

What you’ll find here

I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of programs for all ages, experience levels, and interests. You’ll find camps, classes, pre-college programs, and even lab opportunities, across an array of fields. There are specific programs for science, math, robotics, coding, engineering, and STEAM, to name a few.  Or choose a summer STEM program that blends many disciplines, giving your child exposure to several different subjects.

For younger kids, STEM camps don’t have to be dry and boring. Kids get to work on fun projects like creating a video game, building a catapult, or working on science experiments. Outdoor activities and unstructured playtime are often built into the camp day, allowing kids to relax and make new friends.

For teens, summer programs can be a time to explore a topic not offered in school, such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and medicine and healthcare. This is a great opportunity to delve into topics and get hands-on experience before college.

The programs listed below are organized into tables so that you can quickly peruse programs and evaluate them based on criteria that are important to you and your child. The first table includes programs run by universities and colleges in Massachusetts; the second includes non-university programs offered in communities throughout the state, some run by local organizations and others by national organizations and offered at locations within Massachusetts. 

These lists feature in-person programs, although some of these organizations also offer online summer programs. If you’re interested in finding additional online activities, take a look at my article that features online classes for kids and teens. 

Choosing among programs

No two programs are alike, so it’s best to visit a program’s website for information about curriculum, timing, cost, and registration or application details as you evaluate opportunities. Many of these programs fill up fast, so if you’re interested in attending a summer program, start your research and review process early, ideally in early winter. And keep your eye out for application dates and deadlines. For more on evaluating a summer STEM program for your child, check out BostonTechMom’s tips.

University Programs

Programs Offered in the Community