SWE Next Wake County
Society of Women Engineers
Summer STEM Programs 2026
Discover prestigious national programs like MITES and RISE, alongside excellent local opportunities. Build your STEM skills, conduct research, and prepare for college through these competitive summer experiences.
Application Deadlines Approaching!
Most competitive programs have deadlines between January-March. Start preparing applications early with essays, recommendations, and transcripts.
🏆National Programs
These prestigious programs are extremely to moderately competitive but offer unparalleled opportunities including full scholarships, research experience, and connections to top universities. Most have acceptance rates under 10%.
MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science)
MIT
Rigorous academic program introducing underrepresented students to engineering and science through hands-on projects and college-level courses.
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RISE (Research in Science & Engineering)
Boston University
Intensive research program where students work with faculty mentors on cutting-edge research projects in STEM fields.
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Research Science Institute (RSI)
MIT & Center for Excellence in Education
The most prestigious summer science program, providing students with research experience in STEM fields with leading scientists.
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Engineering Innovation (EI)
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to engineering fundamentals through hands-on design challenges and team-based projects.
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STEM Academy
Carnegie Mellon University
Intensive programs in computer science, engineering, robotics, and game design with university faculty.
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WTP (Women's Technology Program)
MIT
Four-week program introducing women to electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering.
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Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
Various Locations
Free program teaching programming, web development, and robotics while building sisterhood and confidence.
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🏠Local & Regional Programs
Excellent opportunities closer to home with more accessible admission requirements. Perfect for building experience before applying to national programs or for students preferring to stay local.
Engineering Summer Camps
NC State University
Hands-on engineering camps covering aerospace, biomedical, chemical, and computer engineering with lab experiences.
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Duke Pre-College Programs
Duke University
Intensive academic programs including on-campus residential, Marine Lab, and online courses. Features challenging coursework, global peer connections, and college readiness preparation.
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STEM Pre-College Program
UNC Charlotte
Year-round program featuring Saturday Academy during school year and Summer Scholars in July. Includes STEM enrichment, research experiences, field trips, robotics, and mentorship with STEM professionals.
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NCSSM Summer Programs
NC School of Science & Math
Specialized STEM courses including AI, engineering, and more with both residential and non-residential options. One of NC's premier STEM summer programs.
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Wake Forest Summer Immersion: Engineering Institute
Wake Forest University
Intensive, hands-on deep dives into engineering disciplines with both on-campus and online options for high school students.
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UNC Charlotte Camps on Campus
UNC Charlotte
Academic enrichment camps including robotics, science, engineering, and art for students from elementary through high school.
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Wake County 4-H Summer Camps
Wake County 4-H
Free and low-cost hands-on STEM & STEAM programs conducted both outdoors and in labs, serving kids ages 7-17.
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Duke MEMS Summer STEM Intensive
Duke University
Three-week immersive engineering program focusing on design, fabrication, electronics, and hands-on engineering projects.
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Application Success Tips
📝 Application Essentials
- • Start applications early (November-December)
- • Request teacher recommendations 2+ months in advance
- • Write compelling personal statements showing passion for STEM
- • Highlight specific projects, research, or competitions
- • Demonstrate leadership and community involvement
💡 Standing Out
- • Show genuine curiosity and specific interests in STEM
- • Include any coding projects, science fair participation
- • Mention relevant coursework (AP, dual enrollment)
- • Demonstrate how you'll contribute to program diversity
- • Apply to multiple programs to increase chances
🤝 Need Help with Applications?
SWE Next Wake County members can get application review and advice from our mentors and alumni.
Get Application Help