Summer  Opportunities

Juniors- West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience, apply now!

The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer your rising seniors (current juniors) the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)—a rigorous five-day, overnight immersion led entirely by current West Point cadets.
SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially. Participants will experience:

• Hands-on academic workshops: Choose from 17 sessions taught by West Point faculty.

• Physical and military training: Army PT workouts, obstacle courses (indoor and outdoor), the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and more.

• Leadership and character development: Team-building exercises, the Leader Reaction Course, ethics discussions, and cadet-led activities.

Check out the SLE 2025 VIDEO to learn more about the experience.

Students can choose between three SLE sessions:

• Session 1: May 30 – June 3

• Session 2: June 5 – June 9

• Session 3: June 11 – June 15

Applications for SLE open on February 15, and selections will be made on a rolling basis starting March 15. When high school students submit this application, it also completes the first part of the West Point application process. Ideal candidates will demonstrate academic excellence, leadership within their community, and a readiness to take on physical challenges.

West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need.

Learn more here: West Point Summer Leaders Experience

Apply to SLE: SLE Application

Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Summer 2026 Junior Mountaineers Camp in Gunnison, CO 

Junior Mountaineers Camp (JMC) is back on the Western Colorado University campus again this summer, AND we’re adding overnight adventure camps for middle and high schoolers, featuring backcountry hut trips, expedition trips, and more! JMC is a state-licensed summer day and overnight adventure camp that blends athletics, outdoor recreation, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) learning. Led by experienced staff and Western students, JMC provides a safe, active, and inclusive experience for campers. Families can register by the week, with each week offering a unique theme and outdoor recreation activities. For more details on JMC Summer 2026 offerings, please use the QR code on the flyer or visit us online.

Learning to Be Heard – Global Public Speaking Challenge, due 2/26

This FREE competition invites students aged 14-18 to submit a 60-second video responding to this question: “Imagine everyone in the world is listening to you for one minute. What message or idea would you share, and why?” The focus is on student ideas, confidence, and early expression, rather than polished public speaking.

Outstanding entries will be eligible for full or partial scholarships to attend the new TED Summer School. The deadline for submission is 26th February, 2026. For more information, or to register interest in the competition, please find the competition website here!

Sophomores & Juniors, The 2026 Dennis Chavez NM LDZ, event is held 6/7-6/14, APPLY NOW! 

Collaborate with a community of 150 high school leaders. - Engage in a weeklong quest to envision the future of New Mexico. Foster the development of personal, business, and professional skills. - Master the art of engagement through asset based community equity building. During an 8-day residential program, students are taught to adopt an asset-based mindset and utilize NHI's community equity-based approach to build a strong community, establish support groups, and create plans to maximize their strengths and abilities. The LDZ program fosters personal growth in all participants, ensuring that no one leaves unchanged.

Funding for this program is made possible by the New Mexico Legislature. Students meeting the criteria and acceptance are named Dennis Chavez Scholars. They attend the 8-day residential program at UNM and visit the Capitol in Santa Fe at NO COST, except for transportation to and from the university campus.

The Dennis Chavez Scholars of 2026 selection process will be based on a first-come, first-served approach. It is advisable for applicants to submit their applications as early as possible.

Learn more and apply here.

Juniors - Apply to Northwestern’s FREE Small Town and Rural Teen University Prep Innovation Intensive (START-UP) Program for Innovators, Engineers, and Entrepreneurs by 3/10

In partnership with the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network, Northwestern Undergraduate Admission is excited to team up with The Garage to host the Small Town and Rural Teen University Prep Innovation Intensive, or START-UP. This new fly-in program for rising high school seniors will showcase the distinct resources and support available at Northwestern for young innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, and more as they explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies for building a business or product while experiencing the best of Evanston and our neighboring business hub of Chicago. Simultaneously, students will be given crash courses on the college application and financial aid processes at Northwestern.

Learn more and apply https://ugadmission.northwestern.edu/register/startup2026

Juniors - Apply to UChicago’s FREE Emerging Rural Leaders 11 Program by 3/12

Emerging Rural Leaders 11th at UChicago is a week-long summer enrichment program from July 12-17, 2026. Selected students will spend their mornings in small, discussion-based Core classes led by top UChicago faculty; afternoons will be spent exploring the city of Chicago, meeting new friends from around the world, and participating in Admissions Academy programming to help them navigate the college application process. All expenses, including travel costs, are covered by a generous scholarship from Trott Family Philanthropies for students who apply for financial aid. To be considered, students must complete a UChicago Summer Session application by March 12, 2026. 

More details about the program and application requirements are available on the UChicago Summer Session website.

Sophomores - Apply to UChicago’s FREE Emerging Rural Leaders 10 Program by 3/12

Emerging Rural Leaders 10th at UChicago is a one-week, business-focused summer enrichment program from July 19-24, 2026. Selected students will learn from faculty and staff at two top business schools: UChicago’s Booth School of Business and USC’s Marshall School of Business. Program expenses, including travel costs, are covered by a generous scholarship from Trott Family Philanthropies for students applying for financial aid. To be considered, students must complete a UChicago Summer Session application by March 12, 2026. 

More details about the program and application requirements can be found on the UChicago Summer Session website.

Freshmen - Apply to UChicago’s FREE Emerging Rural Leaders 9 Program by 3/12

Emerging Rural Leaders 9th at UChicago is a one-week leadership-focused summer enrichment program from July 26-31, 2026. Selected students will stay in residence at the University of Chicago, discuss what it means to be a leader in their communities, engage with UChicago professors and students, and participate in fun group activities around the city of Chicago. Program expenses, including travel costs, are covered by a generous scholarship from Trott Family Philanthropies for students applying for financial aid. To be considered, students must complete a UChicago Summer Session application by March 12, 2026. 

More details about the program and application requirements can be found on the UChicago Summer Session website.

9-11 Grades - Texas Tech University Explore Engineering Camp, due 3/27

TTU’s Explore Engineering Camp will provide an opportunity to spend a week as a Texas Tech Engineering student. You will be introduced to engineering concepts and gain experience with classroom lectures, hands-on group projects, and campus life. Your day will be structured as a current engineering student. We will also highlight campus resources such as admission requirements, financial aid, student support, and many more. You will reside in a residence hall on campus for the week to bring your campus experience full-circle. This week will bring you firsthand insight to the world of engineering and Texas Tech University! 

Camp dates:  Sunday, June 14th – Thursday, June 18th, 2026, at Texas Tech University Campus in Lubbock, Texas.

The camp costs $400.

Applications are now live and can be submitted here.

LANL’s Summer Physics Camp, application due 4/1

The 10th Annual Summer Physics Camp invites young students to dive into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through hands-on experiences and real-world exploration. Participants will learn alongside leading STEM professionals—including scientists and engineers from Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory —while discovering, creating, and innovating in the inspiring setting of the New Mexico School for the Arts.

Totally FREE to attend! The camp will take place from June 8–19, 2026 @ NMSA, Santa Fe NM.

Participants will explore physics, engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, computer programming, and cybersecurity through dynamic, hands-on projects that ignite curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. Beyond the science, students will build essential professional skills, including how to write a resume and how to apply and interview for a job. Participants will also explore educational and career pathways at local colleges and U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, such as Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This year’s camp explores Invisible Worlds: Physics Beyond What Our Eyes Can See. Most of the universe is hidden from view—not because it isn’t real, but because our senses have limits. From electricity and gravitational waves to the quantum realm and the microscopic machinery of life, these unseen forces power our technology, shape our bodies, and drive the world around us.

Join us as we shed light on these unseen forces through fun, hands-on activities designed to help you explore, understand, and experience the invisible world around you.

Eligibility

·  Must be a student living in New Mexico, New Mexico Tribal Communities, or East Hawai‘i Island

·  Must have completed Algebra I or a higher-level math course

·  Must be able to commit to full participation for two weeks (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

We’d love for you to apply! Acceptance to the camp is not based on GPA, but on how this experience can help shape your future. All students are welcome to apply, and one of our goals is to engage those who may not normally see themselves as future scientists.

Lunch and snacks are provided every day. Students who complete the program will earn a $350 stipend and have the opportunity to join the national SAGE Journey program—a community that sparks creativity, innovation, and future leadership in science and technology.

A limited number of FREE residential spots are available for selected students who live more than 60 miles from Santa Fe and are unable to commute daily.

Application deadline: 5pm Tuesday, April 1, 2026

●  Complete the online application (HERE), including a short essay explaining why the camp matters to you and your interests.

●   Request a recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor to be emailed to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov by April 1, 2026, explaining why you would benefit from the camp.

● Submit your school transcripts confirming completion of Algebra I by emailing them to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov by April 1, 2026.

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience due 4/17

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience program is held in the Albuquerque area and is a free hands-on summer camp designed for students in grades 9–12 who are interested in exploring the sheet metal and mechanical trades. The program introduces participants to the industry, teaches valuable skills, and opens the door to a variety of career opportunities. Students gain exposure to all aspects of construction from BIM through fabrication and installation.

Register here.

Fly-Ins & Summer Programs 

Peruse the list of free and inexpensive summer opportunities for students (both in and out of NM), as well as lists from Appily and Coalition for College. Here are a few programs with upcoming deadlines:

• USC Bovard Scholars: A three-week free college prep crash course for high achieving students with financial need. The deadline is January 16.

• STARS: Accepting applications for a number of free summer programs (University of Chicago, WashU in St. Louis) for rural students currently enrolled in grades 9-11. Deadlines are in early March.

• Northwestern University: A fully-funded fly-in program for young innovators, entrepreneurs, and engineers who are rising 12th graders and attend a rural or small-town high schools. Deadline is March 10.

Check out a comprehensive list of STEM-focused summer programs here.