Expose your child to STEM outside of school.
Here’s a sampling of well-known, popular programs with a national reach. Many are run by non-profit organizations, while others are franchises; some are free for participants; most focus on in-person programming. Some run during the school year, others during the summer, and some hold programs year-round. Popular themes include coding, robotics, engineering, cybersecurity, design and engineering, and science too!
Looking for more options? This list is just a starting point. In addition to national programs, there are scores of great programs offered by local organizations in communities all over the country. Remember, programs offered may vary by location, so always contact the local provider to find out if they have the specific program you’re interested in. If you want to expand your search and find more programs, get ideas by reading Tips to Finding STEM Programs. Looking for virtual classes, camps, and activities? Read about choosing an online STEM program and the guide to finding online STEM classes.
National Stem Programs
If you’re just beginning your exploration, this list is a great place to start!
Black Girls CODE
Dedicated to teaching young women of color about computer programming and technology.
Code Ninjas
Kids age 5–14 learn to code while building their own video games in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment.
CyberPatriot
The Air Force Association created the National Youth Cyber Education Program to inspire students toward careers in cybersecurity or other STEM disciplines critical to the nation’s future.
CyberStart America
A free, immersive online learning platform for high school students, challenging them to solve the kinds of problems and puzzles that confront professionals in computer science or cybersecurity.
Engineering for Kids
Presents kids age 4–14 with challenging yet accessible engineering activities and concepts in a fun, hands-on way, in a variety of formats.
FIRST Robotics
Team-based robotics programs for K-12 students. Members join robotics teams and learn about science, technology, robotics, engineering and much more.
GenCyber
Free week-long summer camps where students learn about cybersecurity.
Girls Who Code
Teaches free computer science summer programs and hosts coding clubs for girls in grades 3-12 in a fun and friendly environment.
GlaxoSmithKline
Free summer STEM program designed to engage children in grades 2-6.
iCode School
Hands-on coding and technology classes that prepare students 5–18 for college and career through lessons and project-based learning.
iD Tech
In-person summer camps and year-round small-group online classes in coding, game development, creative arts, graphic design, math, AI, entrepreneurship/business, and more, for kids age 7–19.
Kode with Klossy
Free summer coding camps for young women age 13-18.
Mad Science
Hands-on, fun science enrichment in subjects ranging from engineering and physics to chemistry and biology, for kids age 5–12. After-school programs, summer camps, and birthday parties.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
Innovative hands-on programs on invention and entrepreneurship for kids in grades 1-12, including summer camps, after-school programs, and internships for high school and college students.
PBS KIDS: Design Squad Global
Free after-school clubs allow kids age 10-13 to explore engineering and invention through high-energy, hands-on activities.
Play-Well TEKnologies
LEGO®-inspired engineering program for grades K–8, teaching engineering principles through fun, hands-on LEGO engineering and architecture projects.
Snapology
Year-round programs for children age 1–14 that use LEGO® bricks, K’Nex, and technology for engaging fun with a foundation of STEAM concepts.
TechGirlz
Inspires middle school girls to explore the possibilities of technology and their future careers through free, fun, interactive “TechShopz” led by industry professionals, leaders, and students.
Technovation Girls
A free technology-based entrepreneurship program for girls age 8–18. Girls learn to create technology to solve community problems, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology or developing a mobile app prototype.
theCoderSchool
Customized instruction in coding with an immersion and mentoring approach and a small student-to-teacher ratio, through in-person after-school, online, and summer camp formats.
VEX Competitions
VEX competitions involve students in elementary school through college in hands-on robotics learning programs and competitions at beginner through advanced levels.
Virtual Workshops
Free virtual student workshops in science, coding, creativity, history, and more.
