Virginia Tech STEM Summer Programs for High School Students in 2027
Updated: Oct 17
Updated October 2026
TL;DR
Virginia Tech offers STEM opportunities in engineering, data science, life sciences, robotics, and sensor technology. Some programs are residential summer camps, while others run through schools or community organizations during the year. This guide takes you through options including, C-Tech², the Summer Program on Life Sciences, and Engineering the Future with Data & Sensor Technology. If you'd like to go beyond a summer program and develop your own research project, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs you with a PhD mentor who can guide you through the process of turning an idea into a research paper.
If you are interested in STEM but are not sure which field to explore, a summer program at Virginia Tech can give you a good place to start. You can try engineering design, analyze real-world data, conduct life sciences experiments, or build and program technology without having to commit to one subject for college. Some programs also introduce you to campus life, college preparation, and careers in STEM.
The value of these programs is getting to try the work for yourself. You can find out whether you enjoy solving engineering problems, working with data, or investigating how living systems function before deciding what you want to study further.
For more options, you can also explore our guides to STEM summer programs for high school students and pre-college engineering programs for high school students.
Which Virginia Tech STEM summer program should you consider?
The right program depends on what you want to explore.
If you're interested in engineering design, start with C-Tech², Black Engineering Excellence at Virginia Tech, or Pathways for Future Engineers. If you prefer working with data, compare the Summer Program for Data Science with Engineering the Future with Data & Sensor Technology. Students interested in biology can explore the Summer Program on Life Sciences, while the Virginia Tech Thinkabit Lab and National Society of Black Engineers Pre-College Initiative offer hands-on technology and engineering activities.
Your grade level matters, too. Some programs are designed for rising juniors and seniors, while others serve younger students. The Pathways for Future Engineers and BLAST programs also have specific eligibility requirements.
What should you check before applying?
Before choosing a program, compare these details:
Eligibility: Check the grade level, residency rules, and any academic prerequisites.
Cost and financial aid: See whether the fee includes housing and meals, and whether scholarships are available.
Program format: Decide whether you want a residential camp, a short workshop, or activities offered throughout the school year.
Current dates: Some programs have not published their next summer schedule. Previous dates can help you plan, but they are not confirmation of the next session.
Location: Most entries below are based at Virginia Tech, while some outreach activities are coordinated through schools and community organizations. Check where each session takes place.
The table below can help you narrow down your choices by interest:
If you're interested in… | Programs to explore | What you'll explore |
Engineering and design | Design projects, mentorship, and college preparation | |
Data, coding, and sensors | Data analysis, experiments, coding, and applied engineering | |
Biology and life sciences | Biology, biotechnology, neuroscience, and ecology | |
Robotics and general STEM | Hands-on activities, engineering challenges, and STEM demonstrations |
Virginia Tech STEM summer programs for high school students in 2027
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
Cost: $2,500 for two weeks; full and partial need-based scholarships are available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified.
Program Dates: TBA (previously June 28–July 11).
Application Deadline: TBA. Applications for the next summer are expected to open in early December.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Virginia Tech C-Tech² program allows you to explore engineering through hands-on activities and a team design project focused on biomedical engineering. You’ll learn from faculty and graduate students, meet people working in engineering, and take part in sessions on college preparation, financial literacy, and technical communication. You’ll also stay in a campus residence hall and join evening and weekend activities.
Why it stands out: You’ll complete a biomedical engineering design project that receives feedback from industry representatives.
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
Cost: $1,300 for the previously listed session; scholarships may be available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA (previous schedule was July 19–24)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have completed Algebra I and at least one additional math course.
The Summer Program for Data Science at Virginia Tech introduces you to data science through team activities and real-world problems. You’ll learn basic AI practices and work with other students to collect, analyze, and interpret data on topics such as public health, the environment, and college choices. You will present your findings at an end-of-camp showcase and take part in activities that introduce you to college and data-related careers.
Why it stands out: You’ll use data to investigate a real-world question and present your team’s findings at a final showcase.
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA (previous dates not verified)
Application Deadline: TBA (the March 23 deadline in the original draft is not verified for the upcoming cycle)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; the program is designed for Black students interested in engineering
The Black Engineering Excellence at Virginia Tech (BEE VT) program introduces you to engineering through hands-on activities, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with other aspiring engineers. You’ll explore engineering concepts, learn about college preparation, and connect with people who can share their experiences in the field.
Why it stands out: The program is specifically designed to help Black high school students explore engineering and connect with a community of peers and mentors.
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, or another participating Virginia university
Cost: Free. Meals and campus housing are included; families are responsible for transportation.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 21–24 at Virginia Tech (upcoming listed session)
Application Deadline: February 1. Applications open December 1
Eligibility: Virginia residents currently in 8th or 9th grade, with at least a C+ average, who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. No prior STEM experience is required
BLAST gives you three days to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities led by university faculty and staff. You’ll try STEM demonstrations, learn about different career paths, and experience life on a college campus while staying in a university dormitory.
Why it stands out: You can explore STEM on a university campus at no cost, with meals and housing included.
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
Cost: Free. The summer residential program includes housing and meals
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: TBA (the previous cycle offered June 14–27 for rising seniors and June 21–27 for rising sophomores and juniors)
Application Deadline: TBA (the previous cycle’s deadline was May 31)
Eligibility: Virginia residents entering grades 10, 11, or 12 who are potential first-generation college students. Neither parent can have graduated from a four-year college or equivalent institution
Pathways for Future Engineers is a multi-year Virginia Tech program that supports first-generation students as they work toward an engineering degree. You’ll take part in summer engineering activities, team design projects, and laboratory work, while also getting help with college applications, financial aid, and admissions essays.
Why it stands out: The program combines hands-on engineering activities with ongoing college preparation and support beyond the summer experience.
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
Cost: $1,150 for the residential camp; need-based scholarships are available.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Up to 48 campers
Program Dates: TBA (previous session: July 5–9)
Application Deadline: TBA. The previous application cycle opened in January, with a first-round deadline of March 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Summer Program on Life Sciences at Virginia Tech introduces you to biology through hands-on experiments and activities led by university faculty and staff. You’ll explore topics such as neuroscience, bacterial evolution, viruses, biotechnology, fermentation, and ecology. You’ll also learn about college applications, meet people working in science, and experience life in a university residence hall.
Why it stands out: You’ll explore life sciences from molecular biology to ecology through practical experiments, including DNA analysis and bacteriology.
Location: Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia, with programming coordinated through participating schools and community organizations
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified. The lab serves approximately 3,000–4,000 students and educators annually across its programs
Program Dates: Available throughout the school year; summer camps and other sessions vary by offering
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Students in grades 4–12. Programs are primarily available to schools and community groups in the greater Washington, D.C., area
The Virginia Tech Thinkabit Lab introduces you to engineering and technology through hands-on design projects. You’ll explore STEM careers, work with electronic components and sensors, and design, build, and program robotic devices with a team. Some programs also explore artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring, and other emerging technologies.
Why it stands out: You’ll design and program a robotic device while exploring STEM careers in a free, hands-on setting.
Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Events take place throughout the academic year, generally about four times per semester
Application Deadline: Varies by event. Check the official website for registration details
Eligibility: K–12 students
The National Society of Black Engineers Pre-College Initiative (PCI) at Virginia Tech introduces you to engineering through hands-on activities covering different STEM fields. You’ll take part in workshops and engineering challenges designed to build your technical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Why it stands out: You can explore different engineering disciplines through recurring activities led by Virginia Tech’s NSBE chapter.
Location: Virginia Tech Academic Building One, Alexandria, Virginia
Cost: $800; pathway scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6–9 (listed as an upcoming summer session; confirm the year when registration opens)
Application Deadline: TBA. Registration typically opens in late November or early December
Eligibility: Students entering grades 11–12
Engineering the Future with Data & Sensor Technology at Virginia Tech introduces you to engineering through sensors, data collection, coding, and design projects. You’ll use tools to gather and analyze real-world data, design experiments, and develop solutions to engineering problems. You’ll also present your findings to peers and mentors and explore how data and sensor technology are used in research and industry.
Why it stands out: You’ll work with sensors and real-world data to design experiments and develop engineering solutions.
Which programs should you compare first?
Once you've shortlisted programs by interest and eligibility, compare their format and cost. These groups can help you decide which official pages to check first.
Your priority | Programs to compare | What to consider |
Residential engineering and college preparation | Compare the program fee with the first-generation eligibility requirements and available support. | |
Biology and practical experiments | Check the 2027 fee, scholarship process, and session dates. | |
Data and applied technology | Compare the math prerequisites, project focus, location, and registration dates. | |
Free or recurring STEM activities | Check the event schedule, location, age requirements, and registration process. |
What students often ask about these Virginia Tech STEM programs
1. Do I need prior STEM or coding experience to apply?
Not always. BLAST does not require previous STEM experience, while the Summer Program for Data Science requires Algebra I and at least one additional math course. Check each program's eligibility requirements before applying.
2. Will I work on real projects, or is it mostly classroom learning?
Several programs include hands-on work. C-Tech² includes a biomedical engineering design project, the data science program involves analyzing real-world data, and the Life Sciences program includes practical experiments. Thinkabit Lab also offers robotics and technology activities.
3. Do these programs include housing, and are they free?
Some do. BLAST and Pathways for Future Engineers are free and include housing and meals. C-Tech² and the Life Sciences program charge fees for their residential experiences, and scholarships may be available for eligible applicants.
4. What if I want to pursue a more independent STEM research project?
A summer camp can help you explore a subject, but independent research lets you investigate a question in greater depth with guidance from a mentor. If you want to develop a research project in engineering, biology, data science, or another field, explore the Lumiere Research Scholar Program.