STEM Summer Programs

Elementary Engineers

Camp for rising 4th - 5th graders

Give your child the ultimate STEM experience at Elementary Engineers! This hands-on camp is packed with exciting activities designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving. From designing movable name tags and enchanted creatures to building bucket towers and crafting bionic animals, every day is an adventure in discovery and innovation.

Campers will also explore coding, engineering challenges, and fun projects like basketball catapults and colorful binary bracelets. It's the perfect opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and have a blast this summer.

*If a student wants to participate in both Elementary Engineers and Spike Prime LEGO Robotics, parents/guardians may register for both camps and a supervised lunch session. Students must bring their own lunches.

Spike Prime LEGO Robotics

Camp for rising 4th - 5th graders

In this week of fun, creativity, and teamwork, campers will:

• construct and code with the latest LEGO SPIKE™ Prime robotics kits,
• learn to code using easy drag-and-drop programming software, and
• showcase their skills at a final robot performance event for families!

This camp offers the perfect mix of building, coding, and collaboration, all while sparking your child’s love for technology.

*If a student wants to participate in both Spike Prime LEGO Robotics and Elementary Engineers, parents/guardians may register for both camps and a supervised lunch session. Students must bring their own lunches.

Cooking with Chemistry

Jr. Academy for rising 8th - 10th graders

Cooking and baking are science for daily life! This week-long adventure will delve into the chemistry behind some favorite foods. Learn the basics in the chemistry lab, then transfer that knowledge to the kitchen and cook up a science experiment.

Beginners' Cybersecurity

Jr. Academy for rising 7th - 9th graders

This summer program offers students entering 7th through 9th grade a dynamic, hands-on introduction to cybersecurity and computer science concepts that are shaping today’s digital world. Designed for beginners, the program introduces core cybersecurity principles, including threat modeling, data privacy, social engineering, cyber ethics, and secure coding. Students learn through a blend of instructor-led lessons, interactive labs, and engaging competitions like Kahoot quizzes, allowing them to apply technical concepts in practical, age-appropriate ways. Beyond building technical skills, the program strengthens problem-solving, logical thinking, and digital responsibility, while exposing students to cybersecurity pathways in high school, college, and high-demand careers.

The Art of Nature Exploration

Jr. Academy for rising 7th - 9th graders

This outdoor adventure combines science, art, and writing as students dive into the wonders of nature. From catching incredible insects to spotting fantastic fish and amphibians, your young explorer will uncover the diversity of wildlife in the 150 acres of pristine wetlands and woodlands at the NKU Research and Education Field Station (REFS).

Students will not only learn the biology of these amazing creatures but also bring their discoveries to life through creative writing and art. It’s an unforgettable experience that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

This program takes place off-campus (not at NKU) and requires transportation by the parent/guardian to/from the camp host address.

Lunch is not provided for this program. Students are required to pack their own lunch each day.

Camp Host Address: NKU's Research and Education Field Station, 99 Harrison Court, Melbourne, KY 41059

Machining Minds: A Mazak Technology Experience Program

Jr. Academy for rising 7th - 10th graders

This exciting engineering program introduces hands-on learning with the tools and technologies used in today’s manufacturing and engineering careers. Participants will explore modern machining and computer-aided design (CAD) while completing interactive challenges in a real-world setting. Led by Mazak professionals and NKU STEM mentors, students build technical skills, confidence, and curiosity, leaving inspired to create, innovate, and explore future STEM pathways.

This program takes place off-campus (not at NKU) and requires transportation by the parent/guardian to/from the camp host address.

Camp Host Address: Mazak, 6850 Industrial Road, Florence, KY 41042

NextGen AI Youth Innovators

Academy for rising 9th - 12th graders

Discover the future of technology in this hands-on program designed for motivated high school students eager to explore Artificial Intelligence. Participants will train real computer vision models, build interactive chatbots, experiment with generative AI, and create their own AI-powered projects — no prior AI or programming experience required. Guided by NKU faculty, students will learn how AI sees, thinks, and creates while developing essential skills in coding, data science, and responsible AI. The week concludes with a relaxed and fun AI Showcase, where students celebrate and share what they explored and created — no pressure, just innovation and discovery.

*If a student wants to participate in both NextGen AI Youth Innovators and B.R.A.I.N., you may register for both academies, and the overlapping lunch period experiences will be coordinated.

B.R.A.I.N. (Best Research Academy In Neuroscience)

Academy for rising 10th - 12th graders

Ever wondered how your phone affects your focus, why stress impacts your brain, or how to tackle test anxiety? At NKU’s Best Research Academy in Neuroscience (B.R.A.I.N.), you’ll dive into fascinating neuroscience experiments that connect directly to your life.

Explore the brain up close by conducting EEGs, dissecting animal brains, and studying neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, and neurobehavior. Using NKU’s state-of-the-art neuroscience labs, you’ll work hands-on alongside professionals to uncover the mysteries of the mind.

Curious about how your brain works? Join us and take a deeper look inside!

*If a student wants to participate in both B.R.A.I.N. and NextGen AI Youth Innovators, you may register for both academies, and the overlapping lunch period experience will be coordinated.

Makers in the Middle

Camp for rising 6th - 8th graders

Give your middle schooler the ultimate STEM experience with a week of hands-on innovation, creativity, and fun! At Makers in the Middle Camp, young scientists and engineers will dive into exciting projects that combine technology, artistry, and problem-solving. Your child will:

• design and code custom game controllers to play games they create,
• discover artificial intelligence by building an AI-powered exercise timer, and
• blend art and tech to craft illuminated masterpieces!

This camp isn’t just about learning — it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and bringing ideas to life in a fun and supportive environment. Don’t miss this chance to inspire your child with cutting-edge STEM skills!

Bee Curious STREAM 1.0

Camp for rising 1st graders

Created in partnership with NKU’s CINSAM and School Of The Arts (SOTA), Bee Curious STREAM 1.0 introduces rising first graders to science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math (STREAM) through fun, engaging activities.

Each day starts with a special children’s book that inspires curiosity and learning. Students then take part in hands-on experiences that show how science and art connect to the world around them. Through discovery, creativity, and play, this fantastic program helps young learners ask questions, make connections, and build confidence as curious explorers.

Robots to the Rescue

Camp for rising 2nd - 3rd graders

When disaster strikes, your child can be the hero of the story! Campers will:

• Build and program LEGO WeDo Robots to tackle real-world challenges.
• Step into the action with robots clearing debris, inspecting tight spaces, delivering supplies, and more.
• Discover the power of robotics to save lives, protect property, and make a difference.

This camp is packed with hands-on fun and creative problem-solving, inspiring kids to think critically and unleash their inner engineer.

*If a student wants to participate in both Robots to the Rescue and Bee Curious STREAM 2.0, parents/guardians may register for both camps and a supervised lunch session. Students must bring their own lunches.

Bee Curious STREAM 2.0

Camp for rising 2nd graders

Developed in partnership with NKU’s CINSAM and School Of The Arts (SOTA), this program for second graders builds on the experiences of STREAM 1.0 while continuing to introduce science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math (STREAM) through engaging, hands-on learning.

Each day begins with a special children’s book that sparks curiosity and wonder. Students then explore life science, earth science, space science, and physics through interactive activities that encourage them to observe, ask questions, and make connections. Through collaboration, creativity, and real-world exploration, this program helps young learners build confidence as they think like scientists, engineers, artists, and readers, discovering how the world and beyond work.

*If a student wants to participate in both Bee Curious STREAM 2.0 and Robots to the Rescue, parents/guardians may register for both camps and a supervised lunch session. Students must bring their own lunches.

Exploring Cloud & Edge Computing

Academy for rising 9th - 12th graders

Tech-loving teens will love exploring cutting-edge technology through this engaging, hands-on experience. Designed for high school learners, the program introduces the fundamentals of cloud computing, edge computing, and the web technologies that power today’s connected world.

Using Amazon Web Services (AWS), the industry’s leading cloud platform, students will gain practical, real-world skills as they design and build their own website. The week concludes with a project showcase and demo session, where students can share their work and compete for prizes.

No equipment is required - everything is provided. This exciting week of learning is a great way for students to explore technology, build confidence, and discover potential career pathways in tech.

*If a student wants to participate in both Exploring Cloud & Edge Computing (AM) and Electrical, Electronics, & Mechanical Engineering (PM), you may register for both academies, and the overlapping lunch period experience will be coordinated.

Electrical, Electronics, & Mechanical Engineering

Academy for rising 10th - 12th graders

This program is designed for high school students who are curious about how ideas turn into real-world solutions. Through hands-on, interactive projects, students explore core concepts in electrical, electronics, and mechanical engineering. Participants design and build circuits, program microcontrollers, develop embedded systems, and gain exposure to modern manufacturing techniques such as laser cutting.

From concept to creation, the Academy offers a practical introduction to engineering while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and innovation — an engaging opportunity for students to explore engineering pathways and build confidence in their technical skills.

*If a student wants to participate in both Electrical, Electronics, & Mechanical Engineering and Exploring Cloud & Edge Computing, you may register for both academies, and the overlapping lunch period experience will be coordinated.