Summer 2026

Summer 2026: A Vision for Tomorrow

This summer, students will take part in STEAMworks, a hands-on design challenge focused on reimagining a Pedestrian Plaza as a safer, more welcoming, and more vibrant public space.

Building on the ideas and work developed during the Spring semester, students will work in teams to create a prototype of a new vision for Montefiore Square. Through design, engineering, and technology, teams will propose improvements that strengthen pedestrian safety and flow, reduce conflicts with vehicles, support easy navigation and accessibility, and bring new value to the community through sustainability, comfort, and activation.

Students will draw from multiple disciplines to bring their concept to life. Projects may include redesigned layouts and streetscape features, interactive safety prototypes, digital tools and simulations, and green infrastructure elements that improve climate resilience and quality of life. The program will conclude with a public showcase where students present their prototype and explain how their redesign improves safety, function, and community impact.

And as always, the program and all services are completely FREE!

What's NEW this Summer?

ENGR 22800: Artificial Intelligence for Machine Learning

This summer we’re offering an exciting new course for college credit via College Now; ENGR 22800: Artificial Intelligence for Machine Learning (3cr)

This course is an introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques used in engineering field. The course includes projects mimicking real-life applications that lead the students into the magical world of AI, without requiring them to have advanced math and computational skills. The students will not have to write programs but only modify parameters of instructor-provided examples. After completing the course, the students will be familiar with mechanisms behind popular AI/ML applications such as chatbots, speech recognition, language translation, character recognition, natural language processing, radar data interpretation and biology applications!

STEM Experiential Courses (Grades 6 - 12)

High School:

App Development & Entrepreneurship
Calculus I
Ethics & Philosophy
Ideas of Physics
Living Systems Lab: Biology
Robotics & Rocketry

Middle School:

Architecture
Intro to EV Systems (Electric Skateboards)
Game Programming

Program Schedule

Monday - Thursday

9:30AM – 4:30PM

Classroom Instruction

9:30 – 12:00PM

Lunch (Provided Free)

12:00 – 12:45PM

Hands-On Projects

12:45 – 4:30PM

Tutoring & HW Support

In and after class.

Program Timeline

Application Opens

March 9, 2026

Application Deadline

May 31, 2026

Program Runs

July 6 – August 7

Course Descriptions

APP DEVELOPMENT

The App Development course focuses creating a mobile application. Students will learn how to design, code, publish, and pitch their app. Students taking this course also have the opportunity to enter their application into the Congressional App Challenge (CAC), for a chance to present their application in Washington, DC before members of Congress.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & MACHINE LEARNING

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ARCHITECTURE

This Introduction to Architecture course is designed to introduce students in grades 6-8 to the fascinating world of architecture. Through a combination of hands-on activities, interactive discussions, and exposure to architectural history and theory, students will develop a foundational understanding of the principles and practices of architecture. They will also have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by designing their own architectural projects.

CALCULUS I

Limits, continuity, derivatives, differentiation and its applications, differentials, definite and indefinite integrals. Students must have passed Precalculus with a grade of C or higher or pass the STEM Math placement exam.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This course combines the fundamentals of assessing a concept or product within the framework of a business opportunity. Students will learn how to evaluate whether an idea has market appeal (product/market fit), develop a business model, determine market potential, and understand the key elements of a successful venture.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

This course will introduce key topics in financial management which are designed to enhance your ability to make informed financial decisions. Topics to be covered include financial psychology, using credit, introduction to money and banking, the importance of savings, investing etc. We will also cover budgeting for expenses based on earned income, career decisions, and basic knowledge on navigating the stock market. Students will engage in group work and in class participation through different scenario-based modules.

GAME PROGRAMMING

This course is an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of game design and development. Using industry-leading tools and techniques, students will learn how to assemble fully functional 2D games. T opics include game industry roles, standard game engine tools, programming in C#, animations, and more. Throughout the class, students will work on a major project that explores all these topics. Upon completion, they will be given the opportunity to create their own projects from scratch as a final test of their skills.

INTRO TO EV Design (Electric Skateboards)

Explore the fundamentals of Electrical Engineering in this introductory course. Delve into key concepts including renewable energy systems, photonics applications, electromagnetic principles, and the basics of 3D printing technology. Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts looking to understand the foundational aspects of electrical engineering beyond robotics.

ROBOTICS

An introduction to engineering practice through hands-on investigations, design projects, and students explorations in the field of Robotics. This section will introduce high school students to the basics of robotics, coding, and electronics, focusing on using sensors and actuators to create automated systems

ROCKETRY

An introduction to engineering practice through hands-on investigations, design projects, and students explorations in the field of Rocketry. By the end of the course, the students should be able to complete low power builds, high power rocketry scratch builds, Level 1 Certification test and readily apply knowledge to competitions HLA is participating in.

PHYSICS

An introductory survey course in general physics, where you will have ample opportunities to improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through analyzing real world situations. The fundamentals of physics will be explored in a student-centered learning environment. It is highly recommended that students an understanding and knowledge of algebra and geometry.

Summer Youth Employment (SYEP)

The STEM Institute’s Summer Program is completely free for all students. While we do not provide stipends directly, some students may be eligible to receive Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) payments.

Students who are accepted into SYEP through their high school or a community-based provider may be able to participate in The STEM Institute’s program as their official SYEP worksite placement. In these cases, payments are provided by SYEP (DYCD), not by The STEM Institute, and we will coordinate with your school or provider to verify participation and work hours.

If you applied to SYEP, please indicate this on your STEM Institute application so we can help explore placement options.

Application Process

STEP 1:

Submit the STEM Institute Application via DreamClass

APPLY NOW

STEP 2:

Schedule Math Placement Exam (if applicable)

STEP 3:

Check your email for communications from STEM