2025 Summer STEM Classes for Students

Looking for an exciting way to keep students engaged this summer? NextWaveSTEM offers exciting STEM Summer Programs designed to introduce students from K-12th grade to cutting-edge technologies like Robotics, Drones, 3D Printing, and Artificial Intelligence. These programs are focused on helping students develop problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Each program typically runs for 10 hours, making it easy to fit into any summer schedule. Schools can customize their STEM learning experience with our expert-designed curricula, cutting-edge equipment, and teacher training to ensure a high-quality learning environment.  

Connect with our team to build a customized STEM experience that inspires creativity and innovation. Let’s make this summer one of discovery and excitement!


Our Summer STEM Programs

 


Our Most Popular STEM Programming

Summer STEM classes are typically 10 hours, making them flexible enough to fit any summer schedule.

Connect with one of our team members to create a STEM Summer Program just for your school!

Why to Enroll Your Kids & Teens in STEM Summer Programs

Hands-On, Experiential Learning

STEM programs prioritize project-based learning, which has proven to enhance retention and engagement. A National Research Council (2015) study found students in experiential environments scored 20% higher on applied science assessments than peers in traditional classrooms. These programs challenge students to build autonomous projects, translating textbook concepts into tangible outcomes. This method aligns with Bloom’s Taxonomy for fostering higher-order thinking through creation and analysis.

Boost Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

Another benefit of these programs is the inclusion of activities that require students to tackle real-world challenges, pushing them to analyze situations, experiment with solutions, and iterate on their designs. Such inquiry-based learning promotes higher-order thinking skills. This approach not only improves academic performance but also equips students with the analytical skills needed in rapidly changing job markets.

Career Preparedness and Exploration

STEM jobs are projected to grow 10.8% by 2032 (U.S. BLS, 2023), outpacing non-STEM fields. STEM Summer Programs introduce students to these fields early, allowing them to explore potential career paths and build foundational skills that employers value. Not just this but they even get a chance to connect with professionals and are introduced to high-demand fields like quantum computing and green energy engineering, which are critical to global sustainability efforts.

Promote Collaboration & Teamwork

Many STEM activities are designed around group projects, which require effective communication and teamwork. Collaborative learning has been shown to improve social skills and academic outcomes. By working together on complex projects, students learn how to negotiate ideas, share responsibilities, and support each other—skills that are vital in both academic and professional settings.

Makes Summer Learning Fun & Productive

Summer learning loss, or the “summer slide,” is a well-documented phenomenon where students lose some of the achievement gains made during the school year due to a long 2.6-month academic gap. STEM summer programs offer a fun and engaging way to keep the mind active over the summer, blending structured learning with playful exploration that sparks curiosity.

Foster Resilience and Adaptability

STEM projects often involve trial and error, which encourages a growth mindset—a concept popularized by Carol Dweck. Students learn to see challenges as chances to grow, whether they’re debugging code or perfecting a drone’s design. This resilience and adaptability help them handle setbacks and succeed in ever-changing fields.

Strengthen College and Scholarship Applications

Participation in STEM summer programs can distinguish students in the competitive college admissions process. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, extracurricular activities that involve hands-on, project-based learning demonstrate initiative, technical aptitude, and a commitment to academic growth—qualities that many top universities value. Students who gain experience in STEM projects not only build a robust portfolio but also position themselves favorably for scholarships and advanced study opportunities.

Promote Global Awareness and Ethical Thinking

Many STEM challenges are interconnected with global issues such as sustainability, climate change, and resource management. Engaging with these topics during summer programs can broaden students’ perspectives on global challenges. By working on projects that address real-world problems, students learn to consider the ethical implications of technology, preparing them to be conscientious citizens and innovative problem-solvers in a global community.

Support Equity & Inclusion in STEM Fields

STEM Summer Programs actively work to include students from all backgrounds, helping to bridge the gender and diversity gaps that exist in many STEM careers. You will be shocked to know that Women hold only 27% of STEM jobs (NSF, 2023), while Black and Hispanic workers comprise 9% and 8%, respectively. By providing equal access to high-quality STEM education, schools help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Inclusive learning environments promote better educational outcomes for underrepresented groups, fostering a more innovative future workforce.

FAQs

  • Our STEM Summer Programs typically total 10 instructional hours. This concise, immersive schedule offers focused hands-on learning, allowing students to master new technologies without overwhelming their summer break while easily fitting into various academic or recreational calendars.

  • Our programs seamlessly combine practical, project-based activities with advanced technology. Students work with robotics kits, drones, 3D printers, and AI software, transforming theoretical concepts into real-world applications.

  • Absolutely. Our programs welcome beginners by providing tailored instruction, interactive projects, and supportive mentorship.

  • Our summer courses cover technologies like robotics, drones, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.

  • Yes, our STEM programs are accredited and certified.