Summer STEM Programs for High School Students
Summer STEM Programs for High School Students
Virginia Tech summer STEM programs immerse high school students in technologies and challenges connected to college, research, and future careers. Depending on the program, learners may investigate drones and flight science, sensors and data, coding, engineering design, autonomous systems, or other emerging technologies. Students learn by doing: piloting, programming, collecting data, testing designs, and solving problems through hands-on and project-based experiences. Programs connect technical concepts to real-world applications and STEM career pathways while giving students an opportunity to experience advanced learning in a Virginia Tech environment.
Location: Virginia Tech’s Academic Building One in Alexandria
Registration typically opens late November/Early December 2026
Become a Sustaining Friend of the Virginia Tech K-12 Fund
Join us in unpacking the wonder of STEM and computing through innovative programs, partnerships, and policy efforts. Support our fund with an online gift here.
K-12 Newsletter
Subscribe to receive information on upcoming science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science (STEM+C) events for students and families
Explore Programs:
Engineering the Future with Data & Sensor Technology
Use data and sensors to engineer what comes next.
High school students use sensors, data, and engineering design to investigate how connected technologies can solve real-world problems. This immersive summer experience builds technical confidence through hands-on projects while connecting data literacy, physical computing, and engineering to future STEM pathways. Through both individual research interests and collaborative projects, participants will enhance their understanding of STEM fields and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. Students strengthen hands-on learning, project-based learning and college and career readiness while connecting what they learn to real-world problems and future opportunities.
Audience / Grade Range: Grades: 11-12
Upcoming Dates / Availability: Summer Only | July 6 - July 9 | 8:30am - 4:00pm
Duration: 40 hours
Registration Fee / Program Cost: $800 Pathway Scholarships Available
Program Overview
The summer program “Engineer the Future with Data and Sensor Technology” offers an exciting opportunity for students to delve into the realms of data, sensor technology, and coding by engaging with real-world engineering problems. Through both individual research interests and collaborative projects, participants will enhance their understanding of STEM fields and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
What to Expect
Hands-On Activities: Participants will work with a suite of 16 sensors, using tools like the Databot and other technology tools to tackle coding and engineering challenges. These activities are designed to provide practical experience in data collection and analysis, allowing students to understand how technology can be applied to solve complex problems.
Research-Driven Approach: The program emphasizes a research-driven approach, where students will:
- Design and conduct experiments
- Collect and analyze real-world data
- Develop data-driven solutions
- Present their findings to peers and mentors
Skill Development: Throughout the program, students will develop essential skills for STEM careers, including:
- Research Skills: Designing experiments and conducting thorough investigations
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing data and drawing informed conclusions
- Problem-Solving: Developing innovative solutions to engineering challenges
- Analytical Skills: Interpreting data to support their research findings
- Communication Skills: Present findings and experiences to peers and families
- Collaboration Skills: Work with peers to design, test, document and report findings
Exposure to Industry and Academic Opportunities
Participants will have the opportunity to tour research and industry laboratories. These visits and field trips will provide insight into how data and sensor technology are utilized to address both local and global challenges.
Career and College Opportunities
The program also introduces students to emerging career and college pathways in:
- Data Science
- Electronics
- Computer Science
- Engineering
By exploring these fields, students will be better prepared for their future academic pursuits and professional careers. This summer program is a journey into the fascinating world of STEM. Through combining practical experimentation with research-driven methodologies, students will not only enhance their technical skills but also develop a profound understanding of how these disciplines can be applied to make a real impact in the world.
Flight Lab: Drone Dynamics in Action
Design, test and take flight.
High school students explore drone technology, flight, and engineering through an immersive summer experience. Learners investigate the forces that make flight possible while building skills in design, testing, data, problem-solving, and the safe use of unmanned aircraft systems. Participants will explore lift, thrust, drag, and weight while learning to fly drones manually and program autonomous flight paths with block coding. Flight Lab: Drone Dynamics in Action immerses students in the science of flight through hands-on drone piloting and coding challenges. Students strengthen hands-on learning, project-based learning and college and career readiness while connecting what they learn to real-world problems and future opportunities.
Audience / Grade Range: Grades: 9-12
Upcoming Dates / Availability: Summer Only | July 26 - July 30 | 8:30am - 4:00pm
Duration: 40 hours
Registration Fee / Program Cost: $800 Pathway Scholarships Available
Mandatory student and parent virtual orientation one week prior to prorgram starting. Details will be emailed to parents/guardians after registration.
Program Overview:
Get ready to lift off with Flight Lab: Drone Dynamics in Action, a high-energy, hands-on summer program designed for high school students excited by flight, coding, and innovation. Hosted at the Virginia Tech Academic Building One in Alexandria, this immersive week-long camp introduces students to the world of aerial robotics through daily challenges, guided learning, and collaborative exploration.
What to Expect:
Participants will learn the principles of drone flight and aviation dynamics, dive into block-based coding, and put their new skills to the test through manual flight drills and autonomous missions. The program features a blend of real-world FAA drone safety training, engaging icebreakers, and team-based activities like Drone Soccer scrimmages where students design, build, and pilot their drones through goal-oriented gameplay and CoDrone Challenges, where students demonstrate their flight mastery, programming skills, and problem-solving abilities in an aerial obstacle course. Industry based field trips and guest speaker engagement activities to introduce students to the world of work and innovation.
Core Activities:
- FAA TRUST safety certification
- Manual flight skills and coding missions
- Drone Soccer design, build, and flight
- Team-based engineering and troubleshooting
- CoDrone flight challenges and competitions
- College and career-based tours and guest speakers
Skills Gained:
- Drone piloting (manual and coded flight)
- Engineering and design thinking
- Team collaboration and communication
- Foundational coding concepts
- Real-world problem-solving using STEM
Whether you're a curious beginner or a future aerospace engineer, this camp provides a launchpad to explore careers in uncrewed systems, robotics, and beyond. Join us for a week where drones aren’t just toys—they’re tools for the future.