Opportunity Guide I Summer, Enrichment & Activities Guide

To help a tech-minded child build knowledge and skills, there are a wide variety of school-based activities, online and onsite classes, programs and rigorous summer programs to choose from. Whether your child’s interest is in engineering, computers or robotics, a multitude of entry level classes and activities exist so that she can dig in and discover what interests her. Attending or participating in a Maker Faire is also a great starting point for technology-loving kids to gain exposure to a wide range of inspirational inventions, projects and hands-on learning experiences.

For a child who likes competing, there are research and invention contests and fairs where children can share their original research findings with peers. At the highest levels, an accomplished child may compete in prestigious national and international engineering and technology contests such as the robotic and computing Olympiads and the International Science and Engineering Fair. If your child is serious about pursuing engineering/computer science in college or as a career, it is worthwhile to look into related math programs since the fields are often interconnected.



  1. National Robotics League
    The National Robotics League (NRL) is a manufacturing workforce development program of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) where students design and build remote controlled robots… Read more
  2. National Security Agency (NSA) Student Programs
    The United States Intelligence Community offers students a wide variety of excellent programs at the NSA to get a jumpstart on a career in intelligence. Gifted and Talented STEM Program for High… Read more
  3. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Pre-college Programs
    The Center for Pre-College Programs at NJIT gives students from 4th to 12th grades the chance to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and apply knowledge of… Read more
  4. New York University (NYU) High School Programs
    6-Week, 1-Week, & Everything In Between NYU’s varied array of high school programs offer flexibility and options that can be tailored to your individual needs and schedule. Most programs are… Read more
  5. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics’ (NCSSM) Summer Programs
    NCSSM offers summer programs for students who are rising 7th graders through high school seniors, with specialized coursework in areas such as robotics, aviation technology, forensics, and… Read more
  6. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics’ (NCSSM) Online Program
    Specialized STEM courses for for rising 11th and 12 graders who want to personalize their high school schedule. NCSSM Online offers a supplemental, two-year, sequenced honors program that provides… Read more
  7. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics’ (NCSSM) Residential Program
    A residential program in Durham, NC, for talented rising 11th-12th graders with an interest in STEM. This is a competitive public STEM boarding school for talented students who reside in NC.
  8. Northwestern University Center for Talent Development (CTD)
    Talent Search Assessment - A research-validated program, Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS) utilizes above-grade-level testing to identify academic ability, measure… Read more
  9. Odyssey of the Mind Program
    Ready to give your brain a workout? Odyssey of the Mind, an international educational program, provides opportunities for creative problem-solving to students from kindergarten all the way through… Read more
  10. Oregon State University (OSU) Precollege Programs
    The Office of Precollege Programs supports and oversees a wide range of youth outreach activities designed to increase college access and academic preparation for Oregon’s youth. Academic programs… Read more
  11. Pace Center Technology and Engineering Programs
    PACER’s mission of EX.I.T.E. Camp is to empower middle school girls with disabilities in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). EX.I.T.E. Camp provides a safe and supported… Read more
  12. The Planetary Society Global Volunteer Network
    The Planetary Society’s mission is to empower the world’s citizens to advance space science and exploration. Through the work of our Global Volunteer Network, we’re able to bring this mission to life… Read more
  13. ProjectCSGIRLS Competition
    ProjectCSGIRLS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed to cultivate a love for technology and computer science in girls and encourage them to pursue their interests and careers in these fields.… Read more
  14. Putney School Engineering & Design
    For one week each summer, we offer an intense, student-driven STEM program for those interested in science and engineering. Develop rapid-prototyping and bench assembly skills. Explore solid… Read more
  15. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) PREFACE
    This is a two-week residential summer experience for high school sophomores and juniors entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall of the coming year. It is for talented and underrepresented students… Read more
  16. Robinson Center for Young Scholars at University of Washington (UW) Summer Programs
    The Robinson Center’s Summer Program provides an intensive, inspirational, and in-depth learning experience for students prepared to take on the challenge. The Summer Program offers a rich variety of… Read more
  17. RoboFest
    Robofest is Lawrence Technological University’s (Southfield, MI) international autonomous robotics program for students in 4th grade through college. Student teams design, construct, and program… Read more
  18. Ross School Summer Camps
    Join our world-class program located in safe, idyllic East Hampton, New York. Our unique offerings balance rigorous academic courses with relaxation and time at the beach, cultural events, shopping,… Read more
  19. Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
    WHAT IS A RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE? A Rube Goldberg Machine (RGM) is a crazy contraption which accomplishes a simple task in the most complicated – and funniest – way possible! Based on the “Invention”… Read more
  20. Sandia National Laboratory Internships
    For more than 60 years, Sandia has delivered essential science and technology to resolve the nation's most challenging security issues. Sandia's headquarters in located Albuquerque, New Mexico, andr… Read more
  21. Santa Clara University Young Scholars Program
    Each year select, highly-motivated high school students explore the world of higher education in a five-week intensive program that includes university courses, advising, and meetings with key people… Read more
  22. Sarah Lawrence College Pre-College Programs
    Summer students connect their passions with the wider world and see firsthand how their endeavors improve our community. They work closely with top-notch professors, getting real-time feedback,… Read more
  23. Saturday Academy
    Classes & Camps for students in grades 2 - 12 in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), and the Arts. Internships in Science & Engineering and College Prep classes for high school… Read more
  24. Saturday Academy Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE)
    The Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) program connects motivated high school students with mentors in pre-professional science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) internships.… Read more
  25. SciTech at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology
    If you are a science-oriented high-school student in the 11th or 12th grade with a proven record of academic excellence, then the SciTech International Summer Program may be for you. The program is… Read more
  26. Seattle Girls' School STEAM Camp
    STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. STEAM Camp is a week of scientific investigations, games, crafty projects, and fun! Past sessions have included: Garden Art, Water… Read more
  27. Smith College Summer Science & Engineering Program (SSSP)
    The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) is a four-week residential program for exceptional young women with strong interests in science, engineering and medicine. Each July, select… Read more
  28. Smith College Summer at Smith
    Designed by Smith's professors and staff, these residential programs not only give students an inspiring learning experience, they can also request a recommendation from Smith faculty to use in your… Read more
  29. Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum Explainers Program
    The NASM Explainers Program hires high school and college students to help visitors better understand the Museum’s collection, making person-to-person connections with our iconic artifacts and… Read more
  30. Sonoma State University School of Science and Technology Summer HS Internship Program (SHIP)
    Since 2008, this program has matched top Sonoma County high school juniors with faculty mentors at SSU to collaborate on research projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and… Read more
  31. SourceAmerica Design Challenge
    The SourceAmerica Design Challenge is a national engineering competition in which participants create innovative workplace technologies for people with disabilities. The innovations enhance… Read more
  32. Space Camp
    Launched in 1982, Space Camp has inspired and motivated young people from around the country, and later the world, with attendees from all 50 states, U.S. territories and more than 60 foreign… Read more
  33. SPARK Summer Internship Program
    SPARK's Mission: To provide opportunities for motivated high school students in the Greater Seattle area hands-on, in-depth learning by connecting them with industry experts, educators and mentors… Read more
  34. Spellman Clean Tech Competition
    The Clean Tech Competition is a unique, worldwide research and design challenge for pre-college youth. The program encourages scientific understanding of real-world issues and the integration of… Read more
  35. Stanford University Raising Interest in Science and Engineering (RISE) Summer Internship Program for High School Students
    The RISE (Raising Interest in Science and Engineering) Summer Internship Program for High School Students is sponsored by Stanford University. It’s an intensive 7-week summer program for students… Read more
  36. NC State University Department of Nuclear Engineering Young Investigators’ Summer Program in Nuclear Engineering
    Young Investigators’ Summer Program in Nuclear Engineering is a residential academic experience that engages participants in the role that nuclear technologies play in meeting the needs of society… Read more
  37. NC State University - The Engineering Place - Summer Programs in Engineering
    Each summer elementary, middle and high school students attend programs throughout the state to discover what engineering is all about. It gives students a chance to discover different fields in… Read more
  38. Stevens Institute of Technology Pre-College Programs
    Each one of our unique programs gives you unprecedented exposure to a cutting-edge field of study and the inspiration and confidence to pursue it later if you choose. All of our programs are… Read more
  39. Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science (SAMS) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
    The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) is a six-week residential summer program at Carnegie Mellon University for minoritized student groups interested in pursuing STEM-related undergraduate… Read more
  40. Summer Math and Science Honors Academy (SMASH) Academy
    SMASH Academy, our flagship program, is a three-year STEM- intensive residential college prep program that empowers students to deepen their talents and pursue STEM careers. Every summer, scholars… Read more
  41. Summer at Rensselaer (RPI) Academic Enrichment Programs
    Summer day and residential opportunities for outstanding elementary, middle, and high school students to explore the academic environment at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Summer@Rensselaer… Read more
  42. Summer Science Program (SSP)
    The Summer Science Program (SSP) is an independent non-profit 501(c)3, operated in cooperation with the California Institute of Technology, Harvey Mudd College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology… Read more
  43. Summer Seminar at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
    Summer Seminar at the United States Air Force Academy offers a unique opportunity to get the Academy experience first-hand. Specially designed for high school juniors heading into their senior year,… Read more
  44. SUNY Stony Brook Institute for STEM Education (I-STEM) High School Summer Programs
    Summer programs in STEM topics with residential and day options. Past year programs have included: I-STEM Biotechnology Summer Scholars Program (formerly Biotechnology Summer Camp) Explorations in… Read more
  45. SUNY Stony Brook Institute for STEM Education (I-STEM) Middle School Summer Programs
    Summer days programs in STEM topcis. Past year programs have included: Science Exploration Camp Middle School Mathematics Camp Engineering Enterprise. See website for current offerings.
  46. SUNY Stony Brook Simons Summer Research Fellowship
    The Simons Summer Research Program gives academically talented, motivated high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math or engineering at Stony Brook… Read more
  47. Sweet Briar College Explore Engineering for High School Girls
    Explore Engineering is a series of immersive engineering design courses for high school sophomore, junior and senior girls. Weekend events are offered in the spring and fall, and a weeklong pre-… Read more
  48. SWENext (Society of Women Engineers)
    SWENext is a way to become part of the Society of Women Engineers as a student through the age of 18. Become part of SWE and #BeThatEngineer! Joining is free. Any student 13 or older can become a… Read more
  49. Team America Rocketry Challenge
    The Team America Rocketry Challenge is the world’s largest student rocket contest and a key piece of the aerospace and defense industry’s strategy to build a stronger U.S. workforce in science,… Read more
  50. iD Tech Courses and Programs
    ID Tech is the original tech camp for kids. The best. For 20 years, our family company has paved the way in STEM education, introducing the most relevant, in-demand curriculum to set students on… Read more