Each year, the Donaghey College of STEM conducts summer programs in order to increase capacity in the STEM pipeline. Our programs are supported through partnerships with business or government partners and our programs are free to students. Each program focuses on specific STEM based subject areas and attempts to provide students with a unique opportunity to be exposed to various STEM career options. Participants have the option to commute or reside on campus (at no charge) during the program.
2025 Camps
Engineering Scholars Program (June 15 – 21, residential, free)
What? The objective of the Engineering Scholars Program is to increase the number of students entering engineering programs in Arkansas through exposure to hands-on engineering projects, plant trips, and interaction with industry engineers. In addition, the one-week residential summer program includes counseling and advising sessions to assist students in preparing for college. The exposure to engineering and counseling and advising sessions will help high school students make informed choices on appropriate course work during their high school years for pursuing future careers in engineering. The program features academic and lab sessions on various engineering disciplines, including robotics. The program also features counseling and advising sessions to assist students in preparing for college.
Who? Current 8th-11th graders interested in engineering.
How? The application for the 2025 program can be accessed here.
For your application to be marked as complete and considered for the program, we will
need the following documents scanned and emailed to our office:
- A completed 2025 Summer Outreach Application can be accessed here.
- Statement or letter of support from your math, science, engineering, or computer science teacher
- A 250-word statement about your professional interest
- A copy of your transcript or report card to this point for the current school year
- ACT or SAT test scores (if applicable)
You can submit application online, and email additional documents to Jami Eubanks: [email protected]
When? This year’s session of the Engineering Scholars Program will be: June 15 – 21, 2025
All application materials must be received by May 1, 2025.
For more information, please contact Jami Eubanks at 501-916-6290 or email [email protected].
Girls Who Code (Jul 28- Aug 1, day camp only, free)
What? The objective of this outreach initiative is to motivate academically prepared students to enter the fields of computer science, information science, or web design. This one-week non-residential camp is for rising 7th and 8th grade students. In addition to hands-on instruction, students will attend seminars and plant trips featuring female professionals to learn more about opportunities available for students in computer and information science. Program attendees will develop an understanding of, and learn methods to, overcome obstacles and difficulties faced by women (with whom they may work with in the future) in a male-dominated occupation. The program will also include counseling and advising sessions to assist students in preparing for college.
Who? Current 7th & 8th grade students
How? The application for the 2025 program can be accessed here.
For your application to be marked as complete and considered for the program, we will
need the following documents scanned and emailed to our office:
- A completed 2025 Summer Outreach Application
- A 250-word statement about your professional interest
- A copy of your transcript or report card for this school year
You can submit your application online, and email supporting documents to Jami Eubanks: [email protected]
When? This year’s Girls Who Code program will be Jul 28- Aug 1 (day camp only) and all application materials must be received by May 15, 2025. You can submit application online, and email additional supporting documents to: Jami Eubanks at [email protected]
For more information, please contact Jami Eubanks at 501-916-6290 or email [email protected].
AI & Mental Health Hackathon (June 9-13, day camp only, free)
sponsored by:
What? 30 high school students, any grade, and 12 college students will be on campus June 9 – 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to learn about mental health issues and AI. Six teams will be formed to select the problem they want to solve. All participants will be awarded AI certifications (Beginner, Mid-Level and Advanced) sponsored by NVIDIA, on Friday and participate in a pitch competition with a cash prize.
Mornings will be in the EIT Building for joint sessions and AI classes. After lunch in the cafeteria, students will be in their groups along with mental health and AI mentors in the Ottenheimer Library collaboration spaces.
Who? 30 High School and 12 College Students interested in AI and/or mental health. Each team will need creative thinkers, problem solvers and software developers. If you have a laptop, bring it, but we have computers that we will make available to all the students, as needed.
How? Apply for the June 9 – 13, 2025 program here.
Application closing date is May 5, 2025.
For questions, contact:
Marla Johnson, [email protected]
Tech Entrepreneur-in-Residence
UA Little Rock, Attn: Marla Johnson (EIT 548)
2801 South University Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72204
When? June 9 – 13, 2025
For more information, please contact Marla Johnson at 501-551-0095 or email [email protected]