8 Virginia Tech STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in 2024-2025
Looking to explore your passion for STEM while getting a taste of college life? Virginia Tech offers exciting summer programs designed to give high school students hands-on experience in fields like engineering, robotics, nanotechnology, and more. These programs allow you to work with top faculty, build new skills, and meet like-minded peers—all while diving deep into real-world challenges. Whether you're interested in designing robots or exploring cutting-edge science, there are programs that match your interests.
Here’s a look at 8 STEM summer programs at Virginia Tech for high school students in 2024-2025:
C-Tech² is a two-week program for young women interested in exploring STEM, especially areas like computer science and engineering. You’ll get to dive into hands-on projects in robotics, cybersecurity, programming, and even aerospace engineering. The program includes field trips to tech companies and opportunities to network with women in STEM fields.
In addition to technical training, the program focuses on leadership and teamwork, making it a great way to get a feel for what STEM careers might be like. If you’re looking for a program that combines creative problem-solving with hands-on experience in different STEM fields, C-Tech² is a great option.
Dates: June 30 – July 13, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Rising junior and senior girls
Deadline: March 10, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: $2,250 (scholarships available)
The Summer Program for Data Science at Virginia Tech offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to the field of data science. You will engage in hands-on activities in data analysis, statistical methods, computational techniques, and data visualization. The program includes interactive lectures from Virginia Tech faculty, collaborative projects where you’ll work with real-world datasets, and workshops that enhance computational skills.
You will also have the opportunity to explore data science applications in various domains, such as healthcare, engineering, and environmental science. This experience is designed to inspire interest in data-driven careers and equip students with foundational skills valuable for future academic pursuits in STEM fields.
Deadline: Applications typically close in May
Dates: July 8 – 12, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th grade students
Cost: $1,000
BEE VT is a one-week residential program designed for Black high school students interested in engineering. Through hands-on projects, workshops, and mentorship from Black engineering students and professionals, you’ll gain real-world experience in solving engineering challenges. You will complete an engineering design project and attend seminars on the college application process. The program emphasizes community-building, allowing you to connect with peers, faculty, and industry leaders. BEE VT helps students explore engineering careers while fostering leadership skills and personal growth, making it a great opportunity to build both technical skills and a supportive network.
Dates: July 13 – 26, 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Deadline: March 23, 2025
Cost: $2,250 (scholarships available)
BLAST gives freshmen and sophomores a chance to dive into STEM and develop leadership skills along the way. You’ll take on hands-on challenges and experiments that encourage creative problem-solving and teamwork. The program also focuses on making STEM more accessible, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds, so it’s a great way to explore these fields in a supportive environment. BLAST is hosted at multiple universities, including Virginia Tech, and aims to help students from diverse backgrounds discover and pursue their interests in STEM fields. With fun STEM projects and field trips, this free program is a fantastic opportunity to learn about science and technology while building confidence.
Dates: July 20 – 23, 2025
Eligibility: Rising 9th and 10th graders who attend school in Virginia, are Virginia residents and U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and have a minimum 2.7 GPA
Deadline: February 1, 2025
Cost: Free (meals and housing included)
Pathways for Future Engineers is a year-round program aimed at supporting first-generation and underrepresented high school students with a strong interest in engineering. This program includes a multi-week summer residential experience that gives you hands-on projects, engineering challenges, and exposure to college-level coursework. You will also receive mentorship from Virginia Tech engineering students and faculty, as well as guidance on the college application process.
The program focuses on developing academic skills, leadership, and problem-solving abilities while helping students build a community of peers and mentors. You will leave the program better prepared to pursue a degree in engineering and navigate the transition to college.
Dates: TBA for 2025. Two sessions were offered in 2024:
Rising Seniors: June 16 – 29, 2024
Rising Sophomores and Juniors: June 23 – 29, 2024
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th-grade first-generation students who are Virginia residents
Deadline: April 19, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Cost: Free (meals, housing, and materials provided)
This week-long summer residential program is designed for rising juniors to seniors who are passionate about exploring biological sciences. This camp provides you with the opportunity to engage in hands-on lab experiments, fieldwork, and discussions about various life science topics, including genetics, ecology, and biotechnology.
You will take on real-world scientific challenges while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Sample activities include studying how carbon dioxide is affecting the oceans and understanding how babies learn to speak. Along with the academic focus, the Life Sciences Camp emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and communication through collaborative activities and group projects.
Dates: July 22 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)Eligibility: Rising 11th to 12th-grade students
Cost: $1,000 (includes meals and program materials)
Deadline: TBA for 2025
The Virginia Tech Thinkabit Lab is a hands-on learning experience designed to introduce middle and high school students to the world of engineering and technology through creative problem-solving. The program blends STEM education with arts and design, encouraging you to engage in activities such as coding, robotics, and circuit building. You will work on team projects, using technology to solve real-world challenges while exploring the diverse career opportunities within STEM fields. The lab offers multiple opportunities throughout the year. Keep an eye on the program website for upcoming sessions.
Dates: Various dates throughout the year (check the program website for specific sessions)
Eligibility: K-12 students
Cost: Free
Deadline: Varies by program
The Pre-College Initiative (PCI) at Virginia Tech, hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), is designed to introduce underrepresented high school students to STEM fields, with a focus on engineering. This year-round program provides you with opportunities to participate in multiple events, including hands-on workshops, engineering challenges, and college preparation activities.
Each event focuses on a different engineering discipline, giving you a broad perspective on STEM careers and real-world applications. For example, fall 2024 events covered chemical/material science engineering, mechanical/mining engineering, and computer science/electrical engineering. PCI helps you connect with current NSBE members, faculty, and peers.
Dates: Varies according to session
Eligibility: K-12 students
Cost: $10 registration fee (covers all events for the school year)
Registration Deadlines: Typically 3-4 weeks before an event
Why Virginia Tech's STEM Programs?
Virginia Tech is known for its strength in engineering and science, and these programs give you a chance to get experience in these fields while also getting a taste of college life. Whether you’re into robotics, engineering, or multiple STEM fields, Virginia Tech’s summer programs can be a valuable way to build your skills and figure out your future path. Plus, with many programs offering scholarships, these offerings are accessible to a wider range of students. So if you live near the Virginia Tech campus and are ready to dive into STEM, these summer programs are a great place to start!
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.