Each year, the Donaghey College of STEM offers free summer programs designed to expand opportunities in the STEM pipeline. Supported by industry and government partners, these programs give students hands-on experience in specific STEM fields while exploring potential career paths. Participants may attend as commuters or stay on campus at no cost, depending on the program.
2026 Camps
Engineering Scholars Program (June 7 – 13)
What? A one-week residential program designed to introduce students to engineering through hands-on projects, lab sessions, and industry exposure. Participants explore multiple engineering fields (including robotics), tour facilities, and receive college prep advising to help plan their path into engineering.
Who? Current 8th-11th graders interested in engineering.
How? Apply online and submit the following materials:
- A completed 2026 Summer Outreach Application.
- Letter of support from a math, science, engineering, or computer science teacher
- A 250-word statement of professional interest
- Current transcript or report card to this point for the current school year
- ACT or SAT test scores (if applicable)
Submit supporting documents via email to Jami Eubanks: [email protected]
When? June 7 – 13, 2026
Application and document submission deadline: April 15, 2026.
For more information, please contact Jami Eubanks at 501-916-6290 or email [email protected].
UA Little Rock AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week (June 8-12)
Application Deadline: April 30th
What? UA Little Rock is teaming up with local healthcare providers, NVIDIA, and Google to host the second annual AI Hackathon & HealthTech Startup Week, June 8–12, 2026.
This isn’t just a hackathon—participants can earn free AI certifications in areas like coding and marketing, learn from healthcare professionals, and collaborate to solve real-world challenges using AI.
Who? Open to students ages 16–26 from Arkansas and surrounding states. Entrepreneurs, marketers, creatives, and coders are all encouraged to apply, no matter your background.
Requirements:
- Be available to participate in all five days
- Bring your own laptop
- Be ready to collaborate with a diverse group
- Agree to a media release
When? June 8–12, 2026. This is a 5-day, daytime program.
Where? Held at UA Little Rock. Limited dorm housing is available for participants traveling from over an hour away.
Important Links:
The mentor and student sign-up deadline is April 30th.
For questions, contact:
Marla Johnson
Tech Entrepreneur-in-Residence
Phone: 501-551-0095
Email: [email protected]
Please note: Official sponsors will be announced soon. Contact Marla Johnson at [email protected] if you would like to sponsor this event.
VEX IQ Robotics Summer Camp (June 22–26, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.)
Cost: $150
What? A hands-on robotics camp where students learn to design, build, and program VEX IQ robots while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Who? Rising 5th–8th-grade students.
How? Complete the 2026 Summer Outreach Application
When? June 22–26, 2026 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Jami Eubanks at 501-916-6290 or email [email protected].
VEX V5 Robotics Summer Camp (June 22–26, 1–5 p.m.)
Cost: $150
What? An interactive robotics camp focused on building and programming VEX V5 robots, with an emphasis on engineering concepts, collaboration, and competition-style challenges.
Who? Rising 7th–12th-grade students.
How? Complete the 2026 Summer Outreach Application
When? June 22–26, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Jami Eubanks at 501-916-6290 or email [email protected].
Girls Who Code (Jul 27- July 31, day camp only, free)
Sponsored by Uniti
What? A one-week day camp introducing students to computer science, information science, and web design through hands-on learning. Participants explore tech careers, connect with women in the field, and build confidence navigating a male-dominated industry.
Who? Current 7th & 8th grade students
How? Apply online and submit the following materials:
- Completed 2026 Summer Outreach Application
- 250-word statement about your professional interest
- Current transcript or report card
Submit supporting documents to Jami Eubanks: [email protected]
When? July 27–31, 2026 (day camp only)
Application and document submission deadline: May 15, 2026
For more information, please contact Jami Eubanks at 501-916-6290 or email [email protected].