How can gaming unlock access to STEAM careers for underrepresented youth? This panel explores the story of STEAM in Alexandria, VA, and a proven model that blends culturally responsive teaching, bilingual support, SEL, and industry exposure to create belonging. Participants will learn our scalable framework for building culturally responsive STEAM ecosystems through partnerships with higher ed, industry, and gaming partners. The session will also explore research-based strategies using gaming, project-based learning, and cultural content to build belonging in historically excluded students.

Pre-college engineering program application requiring participant application with essay on engineering interests, parent form including financial information for scholarships, and teacher recommendation from math/science/technology teacher. Application includes personal information and essay question 'What about engineering interests you?' written by the applicant.

Week-long residential camp for rising 7th or 8th graders. Participants will build, fly and take home a drone. Programming runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Preference given to first time applicants. Notification of decisions: April 17, 2026.

Week-long camp for rising 7th or 8th graders focusing on electrical and computer engineering (ECE). Projects include building video game console or digital camera, including learning to solder. Available as day or residential option. Programming runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Preference given to first time applicants. Notification of decisions: April 17, 2026.

Hands-on exploration of topics in microbiology, neuroscience, nanoscience, chemistry, physics, psychology, economics, math and more! Residential camp with dorm living and dining hall meals. Sunday, June 28 - Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Week-long camp for rising 7th or 8th graders focusing on electrical and computer engineering (ECE). Projects include building video game console or digital camera, including learning to solder. Available as day or residential option. Programming runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Preference given to first time applicants. Notification of decisions: April 17, 2026.

Virginia Tech's immersive STEM Summer Camps offer hands-on introduction to robotics, coding, cybersecurity, drone technology, and space science. Camps include: Engineer a Robot Limb (Free for grades 2-5, June 30 - July 2), Flight Lab: Drone Dynamics in Action (Middle and high school dates through July), Data & Sensor Technology Exploration (Grades 6-12, July sessions), and Science of Flight and Data Detectives (Grades 2-5). Meals and snacks provided, virtual orientation required, parking available via ParkMobile app Zone #85129.

5-day residential summer camp for rising 11th-12th graders exploring life science from biome to molecular level. Activities include neuroscience & psychology experiments, bacterial evolution, viruses, biotechnology, fermentation, ecology studies, and visits to Geoscience Museum. Includes room and board. Transportation to/from campus is family responsibility.

Hands-on exploration of the life sciences. Topics include: Neuroscience, nanomedicine, biotechnology, emerging diseases, bacteriology, fermentation, bacteriophages, ancient life forms, ecology, and more! Sunday, July 5 - Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Do you like to solve puzzles, learn new things and want to make the world a safer place? Then CyberSpark is the place for you! It is estimated that a cyberattack takes place every 39 seconds. To help keep our computers and networks safe, we need more cybersecurity professionals. Through hands on activities led by Virginia Tech staff and faculty, rising 8th and 9th grade students will learn about the multiple facets of cybersecurity and possible careers. The field is growing rapidly, making it an in-demand and highly profitable career path. No previous experience needed. We welcome the participation of any student who has a potential interest in cybersecurity. Camp runs July 6-10, 2026. Applications close March 10, 2026, decisions emailed March 27, 2026.

Hands-on exploration of the physical sciences. Topics include: Batteries and energy, nanoscience, physics, chemistry, radioisotopes, geomorphology, quantum computing, and more. Sunday, July 12 - Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Day camp version of Explore Science. Hands-on exploration of topics in microbiology, neuroscience, nanoscience, chemistry, physics, psychology, economics, math and more! Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24, 2026.

Hands-on exploration of topics in microbiology, neuroscience, nanoscience, chemistry, physics, psychology, economics, math and more! Residential camp with dorm living and dining hall meals. Sunday, July 26 - Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Do you like to solve puzzles, learn new things and want to make the world a safer place? Then CyberSpark is the place for you! It is estimated that a cyberattack takes place every 39 seconds. To help keep our computers and networks safe, we need more cybersecurity professionals. Through hands on activities led by Virginia Tech staff and faculty, rising 8th and 9th grade students will learn about the multiple facets of cybersecurity and possible careers. The field is growing rapidly, making it an in-demand and highly profitable career path. No previous experience needed. We welcome the participation of any student who has a potential interest in cybersecurity. Camp runs July 27-31, 2026. Applications close March 10, 2026, decisions emailed March 27, 2026.