Resources for P–16 Students

*Due to COVID-19, many programs, summer camps, etc. that appear below have been changed to virtual, online events or cancelled completely. In many cases, the information regarding past offerings remains, should the outreach events revert to their regular format in the near future.

Quick-Links to STEM Summer Camps and Academic Year STEM activities:

1. News Stories

Short news stories about P–16 activities on the Illinois campus.

2. I-STEM Campus Affiliates Directory

Directory of Urbana-Champaign campus personnel interested in STEM education, including those particularly interested in P–16 STEM education outreach.

3. Funded Projects Directory

Directory of current externally funded P–16 STEM education outreach projects on the Illinois campus.

4. Funding Opportunities

External funding opportunities for P–16 STEM education outreach activities and research.

5. Miscellaneous P–16 STEM-Career-Related Resources

STEM Education/Career resource for students of all ages.

Computer Science/Coding/Cybersecurity
After Hours Programming
  After Hours /Programming teaches you the fundamentals of web development and not just programming. You will learn how to create amazing websites through programming and design tutorials. The web development tutorials on your left are designed for you to move through them in order to have an overall understanding of web design and development.
Coding
  Resource includes a number of articles, including: Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It? [What the Numbers Say]; Do You Really Need a Degree to Be a Software Engineer?; How toBecome a Full Stack Developer (Step-by-Step Guide); and more.
Cybersecurity Guide
  Because cyber crime, including identity theft and fraud, is increasing, opportunities for cybersecurity experts are growing exponentially. Cybersecurity–once a specialty within computer science–is now becoming its own field, meaning there are lots of job openings and competitive salaries. This website lists Cybersecurity training programs featuring new courses and curriculum designed to meet the industry’s growing need for qualified candidates that understand cybersecurity’s cutting edge. These range from industry certification to Affiliate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degree programs.
Data Science Career Guide
  This site shares resources about Data Science Careers, including data science programs at prominent universities. Data science is an entry into the field of information technology and addresses different fields, such as business, healthcare, technology, finance, and even mathematics.
ICTM Pre-Service Teacher Scholarships
  Current Juniors or Seniors who will graduate in May 2020 or later who plan to teach mathematics in Illinois upon graduation should apply by May 9, 2020.
  • Up to 5 awards of $1500 will be awarded.
  • Please encourage applicants to submit their applications by e-mail to gilroyc@eths.k12.il.us.
  • Winners will be announced in September 2020.
K-12 Cybersecurity Education Guide
  This website provides information about careers in cybersecurity. According to the site, cybersecurity, which is also known as information security, "refers to the methods, technologies and processes that are created and implemented to protect information and data of all types from unauthorized access, use, misuse, disclosure, modification or disruption." The site provides different careers available in the field, such as Cyberintelligence Analyst or IT Security Engineer; Certifications, such as a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Privacy Professional/US (CIPP/US); specific cybersecurity education programs by state; student resources, such as scholarships and top online programs; cybersecurity industries and domains; and expert insights.
New! 101 of the Best Places to Learn to Code For Free (2021).
  Article on Learn to Code with me, a platform inspiring students to self-teach themselves technical skills. The article serves as a compilation of free, intuitive coding resources ranging from specific programming languages (Python, Ruby, HTML. etc.) to potential career paths (Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Data Science, etc.)

 

STEM Resources
  • 7 Things to Know if You’re Thinking About a STEM Career
  • Discover Data Science: This guide includes links to great resources broken out by age group (K-5 & 6-12), as well as by subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math). The guide also features sites covering camps for teens along with STEM contests. Finally we dedicated a section to sites with a specific focus on Girls who continue to be underrepresented in STEM careers.
  • Environmental Science.org is a website offering students resources about Environmental Science
    • Career Options
    • Degree Programs
    • Scholarships and Internships
  • IT glossary and tech tools for kids. Helping young learners develop technology and STEM skills is key in preparing them to compete in a global economy. Early exposure to STEM can help build strong foundations thus encouraging kids to study information technology at the college level. This article gives students the opportunity to learn skills that help them gather and make sense of information, solve problems, and evaluate evidence to make decisions or find solutions to STEM (science, technology [including computer science], engineering, and math) challenges.
  • Kid’s Online Learning Tools for Science, Technology, and Beyond! This resource includes science fair projects and ideas, various STEM activities for kids, as well as coding and programming resources for all ages. Plus, in a section about computers and technology, it includes the pioneers and important people of computer history, as well as a computer history and timelines.
  • STEM Resources website developed by Technology Education.org.
  • The Ultimate STEM Guide for Kids: 239 Cool Sites About STEM
  • The USGS Water Science School, where students and adults can learn all about water, from what it is, to where and how much there is, to the most in-depth discussions of the natural water cycle anywhere. A revised web-based water-science education tool developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
  • Industry and Career Resources for Promoting Diversity in Engineering. Article cites the advantages gained from diversity, the current demographics of the engineering industry, plus, challenges and barriers to minorities in engineering. Also included is a list of different types of engineering careers, plus resources about training, including financial resources.
Women in STEM

6. P-16 STEM Education Outreach Resources

Opportunities for students from preschool through high school (P-12) and for post-high students (through Grade 16) from outside this campus.

P–12 Academic Year and Summer STEM Education Activities
PreKindergarten & Elementary, PK–6 (ages 4–12)
Academic Year Programs
FIRST LEGO League
  FIRST® LEGO® League guides youth through STEM learning and exploration at an early age. From Discover (Ages 4–8, to Explore (Ages 6–10), and then to Challenge (Ages 9–16), students will understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way.
STEAM Studio
  This dynamic and innovative program affords Champaign-Urbana area students in grades kindergarten through fifth the opportunity to spend those all-important after school hours in an environment that fosters the analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills necessary for success in the ever-changing landscape of the global community. STEAM Studio provides transportation for most area elementary schools. Led by coordinator Angela Nelson, an educator and leader in the area of STEAM education, students experience a wide-range of activities perfectly suited for after school programming. In addition to enriching and creative STEAM units, the studio provides time for homework and snack. STEAM Studio also provides full-day programming for most days students are not in attendance at their full-day school, including Balanced Calendar Intercessions, Winter Break, and Spring Break.
eCYBERMISSION
  eCYBERMISSION is a web-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition free for students in grades six through nine where teams can compete for State, Regional and National Awards while working to solve problems in their community. eCYBERMISSION is a National Science Teachers Association and Army Educational Outreach Program.
Elementary School Summer Camps

For both genders

Camp Invention: Dates vary on program/location
  Camp Invention is a fun-filled adventure fostering inventive-thinking skills, science literacy, history and the arts in four activity-oriented modules created for children entering grades K–6. Directed and taught by local teachers, children are challenged to identify solutions to real-world problems and are immersed in challenges that draw upon their sense of curiosity. Register here or call toll-free at 800-968-4332
College for Kids. Dates vary
  Ignite a lifelong desire for learning in your child! College for Kids is all about discovery learning, adventures with new and old friends, and unforgettable experiences! Since 1980, College for Kids has offered non-graded, hands-on enrichment courses for students 8-14 years old. Our summer sessions are held on Parkland’s main campus in a supervised and well-staffed environment. All classes feature highly qualified instructors and assistants who love interacting with kids. Dates: June 7-July 29, 2021. Featured 2021 classes. Register here
Summer STEAMcation and STEAMcation XT: Dates vary
  Next Generation School's STEAM Studio after-school program offers these week-long enrichment camps throughout the summer, from June 1st – August 6th ( Camp closed 6/29/21 - 7/9/21 for Summer Break).Rising 1st through 6th graders will have the opportunity to explore themes based on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. For age groups, dates, and cost, see: Catalog: Rising 1st-3rd graders. Catalog: Rising 4th-6th graders. Register here. Registration opens March 1, 2021.
Orpheum Children's Science Museum
  The Orpheum Musem offers a variety of camps and activities for children grades K–5. For more information call 217-531-3555 or visit their website.

For Girls

Bonding With Chemistry–A Day Camp for Girls: June 29th– July 13th
  A free, Chemistry Day camp for girls entering 6th–8th grade to expose middle school girls to chemistry and sciences in the laboratory and in every-day life. In the past, this hands-on camp has included topics such as electrochemistry, art chemistry, chemistry of the earth, chemistry in cooking, polymers, and more! In addition to participating in various chemistry-related activities and experiments throughout the day, the girls are also taught how to make scientific observations and follow experimental procedures in their designated laboratory notebooks.
Middle School, Rising 7th–8th Graders (ages 13–14)
Academic Year Programs
FIRST LEGO League Challenge
  Teams of up to 10 kids (grades 4-8, ages 9-14) get to research a real-world problem (like food safety, recycling, energy, etc.), and then are challenged to develop a solution using their new knowledge and creative imagination. They also must design, build, and program a working robot using a LEGO MINDSTORMS® kit, then complete “missions” on a table-top playing field. Teams compete against each other at exciting events where they make new friends, show off what they learned and invented, express team spirit, and celebrate!
FIRST Tech Challenge
  FIRST® Tech Challenge teams (10+ members - grades 7-12, ages 12-18) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to play a floor game in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!” Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships.
eCYBERMISSION
  eCYBERMISSION is a web-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition free for students in grades six through nine where teams can compete for State, Regional and National Awards while working to solve problems in their community. eCYBERMISSION is a National Science Teachers Association and Army Educational Outreach Program.
New! A.I. Creators and AI Pioneers: All year
  Inspirit AI middle school programs inspire curious middle school students globally by exposing them to the defining technology of our times. We provide live online courses in AI with a focus on web development, mobile development, and more to get students interested in applying technology for social good. This program, developed and taught exclusively by a team of alumni and students from Stanford, MIT, and Harvard provides guidance on initiating projects and general mentorship.
Middle School Summer Camps
For Girls
Bonding With Chemistry–A Day Camp for Girls: June 29th– July 13th
  A free, Chemistry Day camp for girls entering 6th–8th grade to expose middle school girls to chemistry and sciences in the laboratory and in every-day life. In the past, this hands-on camp has included topics such as electrochemistry, art chemistry, chemistry of the earth, chemistry in cooking, polymers, and more! In addition to participating in various chemistry-related activities and experiments throughout the day, the girls are also taught how to make scientific observations and follow experimental procedures in their designated laboratory notebooks.
Mid-GLAM Day Camp: July 15–19, 2019
  A free, Materials and Science Engineering Day camp for girls entering 6th–8th grade. Girls’ Adventures in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science (GAMES) is an annual week-long camp, designed to give academically talented girls an opportunity to explore exciting engineering and scientific fields through demonstrations, classroom presentations, hands-on activities, and contacts with women in these technical fields.
Pollen Power: July 15–19, 2019
  Hosted by the Institute for Genomic Biology on the University of Illinois campus, the camp will provide an opportunity for girls to study plant responses to climate change in the distant past and the coming century. Research groups of 8 to 10 campers led by a female graduate student will use million-dollar microscopes to image pollen, giving the campers first-hand experience in a research environment with female mentors. The camp is designed for middle school age girls with an interest in plants and the environment. Registration opens Feburary 2019
*Scholarships are available
For both genders
Engineer Research and Development Center - Construction Engineering Research Laboratory's (ERDC-CERL) - Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS I)
  Application Flyer - The GEMS Programs give students entering grades 7 or 8 and 9 through 11 an opportunity to intern at an Army laboratory and be exposed to career opportunities in the areas of math and science. Participating students will receive an educational stipend.

GEMS I: Participants will explore the intersection of robotics and scientific analysis. Topics including spectroscopy, microbial populations, and robotics will be covered through the use of Lego Mindstorms, a student built spectrometer, and other hands-on activities. Application period: closed

Summer Illinois Math Camp (SIM) - Camp Epsilon: June 10-14, 2019; Camp Delta: June 17-21, 2019
  Summer Illinois Math (SIM) Camp is a week-long math day camp for middle and high school students hosted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mathematics. Campers will see the creative, discovery driven side of mathematics. By showing them some of the ways mathematicians approach problems, SIM Camp hopes to encourage them to continue studying math beyond the high school level. View the brochure here.
High School, Rising 9th–12th Graders (ages 14–18)
Academic Year Programs
ChicTech Retreat
  Led by the Women in Computer Science student club, ChicTech Retreat is an overnight weekend conference for high school girls to get an introduction to technology and the culture of CS @ ILLINOIS. Activities include technology workshops on Scratch, HTML, or JavaScript depending on experience level, and also include several social activities that foster networking and teamwork. The ChicTech Retreat is usually held each November, and information will be posted on the CS Outreach Calendar. You can also email questions to cs-outreach@illinois.edu.
ChicTech Visits
  ChicTech Visits (pronounced “sheek-tek”) are led by members of the Women in Computer Science student club. An all-volunteer ChicTech team will travel to Illinois high schools to deliver a presentation to explain and demystify the field of computer science. The ChicTech team will give a glimpse into life as a CS @ ILLINOIS student and explore the exciting and challenging career options open to graduates. The presentation also confronts the stereotypes of the male-dominated field and debunks myths, cites success stories, and shares personal experiences. To schedule a ChicTech visit, please email cs-outreach@illinois.edu.
CS @ ILLINOIS Sail
  Led by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Women in Computer Science (WCS) student clubs, CS @ ILLINOIS Sail is a free, day-long showcase for high school students to learn about computer science in fun workshops, explore career opportunities, and take a campus tour and experience what it’s like to be a computer science student in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. The CS @ ILLINOIS Sail event is held each April, and information will be posted on the CS Outreach Calendar. You can also email questions to cs-outreach@illinois.edu.
Engineering Days
  Engineering Days is one of the best ways for prospective engineering students to see what being an engineer is all about. During the course of the day, you will learn about the different engineering fields, visit cutting-edge labs, talk to current college students about life as an engineering student, and get a good look at one of the nation's top rated engineering universities
Explore ACES: March 9-10, 2018
  A two-day event to acquaint prospective students and their families with the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
FIRST Tech Challenge
  FIRST® Tech Challenge teams (10+ members - grades 7-12, ages 12-18) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to play a floor game in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!” Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships.
FIRST Robotics Competition
  We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the MindTM. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of 25 or more students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Each season ends with regional competions and an exciting FIRST Championship. As a participant, you'll have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships.
ICTM State Math Finals: May 5, 2018
  The University of Illinois hosts the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics High School Math Contest each spring. The state finals will take place on May 5, 2018.
eCYBERMISSION
  eCYBERMISSION is a web-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition free for students in grades six through nine where teams can compete for State, Regional and National Awards while working to solve problems in their community. eCYBERMISSION is a National Science Teachers Association and Army Educational Outreach Program.
The SMART (Sustainable Materials and Renewable Technology) Competition
  The SMART Competition challenges high school students to apply their knowledge of science, math and physics to develop an intelligent building design. The students will be mentored by design and engineering professionals. They will use the same techniques and tools the design teams use in many of the country’s best design firms. For the competition, the students will redesign a gymnasium found on an existing high school campus. All teams will be tasked with redesigning the same building. The Competition is open to all high school students who attend public, private, parochial, charter and home-based schools. Students from other non-school based or informal education programs may participate. The program is designed to attract all students without regard or bias of gender, race, socio-economic or academic performance level. The teams will first compete at the regional level with the top team from each region competing at an international event.
New! A.I. SCHOLARS 2021: All year
  AI Scholars inspires curious high school students globally by exposing them to the defining technology of our times: Artificial Intelligence. AI is already present everywhere: in our voice-activated devices, smartphone face recognition systems, and autonomous vehicles. The potential to apply this technology for good is limitless. This program, developed and taught exclusively by a team of alumni and graduate students from Stanford and MIT, provides guidance on initiating AI projects, pursuing AI ventures, and preparing for college.
High School Summer Camps
For Girls
WYSE All-Female Camps (Formerly known as Girls’ Adventures in Math, Engineering, and Science): 8 different tracks, dates vary
  WYSE All-Female Camps are annual, week-long camps, designed to give academically talented high school girls (rising 9th-12th graders) an opportunity to explore exciting engineering and scientific fields through demonstrations, classroom presentations, hands-on activities, and contacts with women in these technical fields. We present an advanced curriculum, use world-class instructional facilities, and provide an “away from home” experience at one of the best engineering schools in the world. Enrollment in the program is limited to ensure the quality of the academic experience. GAMES has a selective admissions process based on academic performance, a written essay and a teacher recommendation.
*There is financial aid available for those who qualify; additionally, there are scholarships specifically available for students of under-served minorities/economically disadvantaged groups
For both genders
.
WYSE Discover Bioengineering: July 21st - 28th
  Discover Bioengineering is a week-long residential camp that introduces rising freshman and sophomores to the field of Bioengineering. Bioengineering includes modeling of systems, designing new technologies and devices, and improving healthcare. Bioengineers study and understand how complex biological systems work, design and construct medical devices and therapeutics, and solve healthcare problems facing society.
*There is financial aid available for those who qualify; additionally, there are scholarships specifically available for students of under-served minorities/economically disadvantaged groups
WYSE Discover Engineering: July 21st - 28th
  Discover Engineering (DE) is a week-long, residential camp for rising freshmen and sophomores with a strong interest in math and science. Campers work on several projects that incorporate different aspects of engineering. Campers will visit various research labs around campus, become familiar with the different forms of engineering disciplines studied at Illinois, and interact directly with faculty and students actively researching in these areas. This is a great way to gain a better understanding of engineering in general, as well as an increased understanding of the wide range of careers and areas of study available for engineers.
*There is financial aid available for those who qualify; additionally, there are scholarships specifically available for students of under-served minorities/economically disadvantaged groups
GEMS (Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science) camps.
  GEMS programs give students rising into grades 6-12 an opportunity to learn at the U.S. Army Engineer Research & Development Center in the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and be exposed to career opportunities in the areas of math and science. Participating students will receive an educational stipend.
  • Gems I: Rising grades 9th-12th (June 8-12, 2020)
  • Gems II: Rising grades 6th-8th (July 6-10, 2020)
For more information, see the GEMS website.
WYSE Exploring the Intersection of Creativity and Engineering: Session 1: June 9th - 15th; Session 2: July 14th - 20th
  This camp will explore design, creativity,Three young designers and innovation in engineering through hands-on projects and team activities. These projects will engage the campers in brainstorming, ideation, synthesis, and prototyping.
WYSE Exploring Your Options (EYO):
 
  Exploring Your Options (EYO) is a week-long, residential program that introduces rising juniors and seniors to the varied disciplines of engineering. EYO takes place at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, providing campers with the opportunity to interact with engineering students and faculty during the lessons and hands-on activities developed by the departments in the College of Engineering.
*There is financial aid available for those who qualify; additionally, there are scholarships specifically available for students of under-served minorities/economically disadvantaged groups
Illinois Aerospace Institute Summer Camp: July 20–24, 2020
  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be an on-campus version of the Illinois Aerospace Institute this summer. Instead, in 2020, the Illinois Aerospace Institute summer camp will a one-week virtual program for students entering grades 9-12 who are interested in learning about the field of aerospace engineering.. Applications are currently open at https://my.engr.illinois.edu/iaicamp2020. For more information, contact Diane Jeffers, il-aero-inst@Illinois.edu.
Discover Architecture Pre-College Summer Program:
 
  • Monday, July 13: History
  • Tuesday, July 14: Health & Well-being
  • Wednesday, July 15: Building Performance
  • Thursday, July 16: Urbanism
  • Friday, July 17: Detail & Fabrication
  The Illinois School of Architecture will be offering it’s Discover Architecture Program via Zoom this summer to introduce high school students and recent graduates to the discipline of architecture both as a profession and as a field of academic endeavor. Students will learn about architecture through the lenses of architectural history, health and well-being, urbanism, detail and fabrication and building performance. Students will be given a sketchbook to practice their drawing, and freehand sketching. Upon completion, students will be exposed to the school’s program areas and the ability to begin a portfolio of their work. Virtually, students will visit the Illinois School of Architecture and an architectural firm. The four-hour sessions will be taught by University of Illinois faculty who are committed to giving the students at the Illinois School of Architecture a robust education and experience within the built environment. Discover Architecture is focused not only on helping prospective students decide if they want to pursue architecture as their field of chosen endeavor, but also on giving students new to architecture a look at their undergraduate careers. The fee is $50 and you can register here: https://go.illinois.edu/discoverarch2020. Have questions? Email architecture@illinois.edu
Illini Summer Academies: June 21-26, 2020
  Illini Summer Academies promotes career opportunities while showcasing University of Illinois as the college of choice to teens in Illinois. Academy time during the four-day conference enhances the educational experience of youth in their preferred fields of study. All activities promote Illinois 4-H and the principles of positive youth development-belonging, independence, generosity and mastery. Academies are open to ANY Illinois youth who are currently in eighth to twelfth grade. They must be an incoming high school freshman to graduating senior this summer and must fall within the 14-18 age range . This is a live-in academy program; delegates will not be allowed to commute to the campus for daily activities. Registration opens March 2020.
*Partial scholarships are available
researcHStart: June 22 – August 14, 2020 **Chicago Public School students are encouraged to apply. Arrangements will be made to accommodate the program’s conflict with the school district’s calendar.**
  A joint University of Chicago/University of Illinois high school summer cancer research program, researcHStart, has just been launched. The researcHStart program is an 8-week cancer-focused research and career development experience for the most promising high school students from the Chicago and Champaign-Urbana areas. The research experience is the core of the program, which provides hands-on, full-time immersion into a cancer research environment under the supervision of an established, funded investigator. Depending on the specific project and mentor, students will develop an understanding of cancer epidemiology, cancer treatment, imaging, immunology, pharmacogenomics of anticancer agents, engineering, biomarker development, the molecular and biochemical underpinnings of cancer, development of anticancer agents, experimental cancer therapeutics, and/or cancer disparities. No longer accepting applications for Summer 2020.
Summer Illinois Math Camp (SIM) - Camp Epsilon, June 8-12, 2020
  Summer Illinois Math (SIM) Camp is a free, week-long math day camp for students starting 8th-10th grade Fall 2020, ages 12-15. Camp is open to students who will start algebra in the fall or have taken some algebra already Camp is hosted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mathematics. Campers will see the creative, discovery-driven side of mathematics. By showing them some of the ways mathematicians approach problems, SIM Camp hopes to encourage them to continue studying math beyond the high school level. Priority given to students who apply by April 15, but applications will be accepted until all camps are full. Apply here.
Summer Illinois Math Camp (SIM) - Camp Delta, June 22-26, 2020
  Summer Illinois Math (SIM) Camp is a free, week-long math day camp for students starting 10th-12th grade Fall 2020, ages 15-18. Camp is open to students who have taken at least one year of algebra. Hosted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mathematics. Campers will see the creative, discovery driven side of mathematics. By showing them some of the ways mathematicians approach problems, SIM Camp hopes to encourage them to continue studying math beyond the high school level. Priority given to students who apply by April 15, but applications will be accepted until all camps are full. Apply here.
Incoming Undergraduate Freshmen
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP):
  NIH UGSP offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. The program offers Scholarship support, paid research training at the NIH during the summer, and paid employment and training at the NIH after graduation.
  • Application Opens: January 4, 2021
  • Application Deadline: March 17, 2021
  • Letter of Recommendation Deadline: April 1, 2021
  • EFN Form with 2018 or 2019 Tax Year Information Deadline: May 19, 2021
  • Invitations to Phone Interview Distributed: Mid-June, 2021
  • Phone Interviews for Admission: Mid-July, 2021
  • Selection of Scholars: Late-July, 2021
Regeneron Science Talent Search: 2021
  The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors, providing an important forum for original research that is recognized and reviewed by a national jury of professional scientists. Alumni have made extraordinary contributions to science and have earned many of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including thirteen Nobel Prizes. Annually, over 1,800 high school seniors from around the country accept the challenge of conducting independent science, math or engineering research and completing an entry for the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
  • Application Deadline: November 10, 2021 at 8pm Eastern Time
New! Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI): Annual
  A four-week program designed for incoming freshmen to help prepare them for college by teaching industry-focused technical skills as well as giving students an opportunity to learn more about Google and future opportunities with Google.
For All Ages
Academic Year Programs
Engineering Open House: March 2021
 

At this point in time, the Engineering Open House Central Committee is taking the state of the campus and country into consideration as they proceed to make decisions for EOH 2021. Planners do not take this global pandemic lightly. Therefore, to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, visitors, and the Champaign-Urbana community, planners will be creating an EOH like never before.

Their hope is to create a virtual presence that will allow for a more accessible event, and that will continue to hold the same spirit of EOH from the past 100 years: to have the students of the University of Illinois showcase the world of engineering in the hopes of inspiring the larger community.

This annual student-led event featuring two days of exciting exhibits and captivating competitions that showcase the talent and ingenuity of engineering students. The exposition attracts thousands of visitors to the Illinois campus each year and stands as the largest event of its kind in the country. EOH brings together students, faculty, and corporate sponsors to feature cutting-edge innovation in the fields of science and technology.
Girls Who Code: Sunday Afternoons
  CS @ ILLINOIS hosts a chapter of Girls Who Code (girlswhocode.com), a club that allows middle school and high school girls to explore coding in a fun and friendly environment. The goal is to inspire, educate, and equip girls with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities. The CS @ ILLINOIS Girls Who Code club meets on Sunday afternoons during the school year in 0224 Siebel Center from 1:00pm-3:00pm. You can email questions to cs-outreach@illinois.edu
Vet Med Virtual Open House: October 4, 2020
  OPEN HOUSE 2020 LAUNCHES ON OCTOBER 4! This year, however, Open House will be available worldwide till the end of 2020 via the internet. You’ll still get to see lots of animals and hear from current Illinois veterinary students. There will even be a real-time online event (through Facebook Live) to ask your questions about admission to our college.
This annual student-led event features more than 40 exhibits and demonstrations showcases the art and science of veterinary education and practice and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the most comprehensive veterinary facility in Illinois, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The event is appropriate for all ages, including many hands-on learning opportunities for children. Prospective veterinary students can attend an informational session about admission to the state's only veterinary degree program
Pathways to Science
  STEM-related resources for K-12 students, including summer and academic year programs, paid internships, plus resources such as how to apply for summer research experience, how to apply for college, etc.
Science Olympiad
  Science competitions for K-12 students at the regional, state, and national levels.

Our vision for Illinois as a land-grant institution is to foster accessible, effective STEM teaching and learning—from preschool through graduate education—at local, state, and national levels, thereby preparing a highly able citizenry and diverse STEM workforce to tackle pressing global challenges.

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