I hope you had a great summer vacation and are excited about the new school year. BostonTechMom recently turned ten years old! What a privilege it’s been to meet parents, students, and people in the STEM community over the years. I love it when people contact me directly—you often give me article ideas. I enjoy learning about new STEM programs and organizations, so please keep contacting me!
Here is a preview of what’s coming this fall. It’s chockful of internship programs, STEM competitions and challenges, and hands-on learning opportunities. The first part of the article includes opportunities for students around the country, and the second part features programs and events in Massachusetts.
There are three fabulous family-friendly events in MA I wanted to highlight. I’ve included information below, but if you want a quick preview, check out the week-long activities at the Cambridge Science Festival (Sept 23-Sept 29), the beloved Science Carnival for families in Cambridge (Sept 29), and RoboBoston: 7th Annual Robot Block Party in the Seaport (Sept 28).
National Programs and Events
Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high school students in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories, where they participate in real Naval research for eight weeks during the summer. SEAP allows academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in STEM to learn about Naval research and technology while receiving first-class mentoring by top scientists and engineers. SEAP is a competitive program with around 300 placements in more than 30 laboratories around the country, in which many participants go on to careers within the DoN. Learn about the application process. The application deadline is November 1.
NASA International Space Apps Challenge
The NASA International Space Apps Challenge is a hackathon for people of all ages, skill levels, and professional backgrounds. Participants worldwide use open data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners to create solutions to challenges on Earth and in space. This is a free event on October 5-6 and is open to all ages! However, participants under the age of 18 must be registered for the event by a parent or legal guardian and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times during the event. Begin your journey by signing up for a local event, choosing a challenge, and joining a team!
Congressional App Challenge
The annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is live! Every year, members of Congress across the country challenge students in their districts to create and submit original apps for a chance to win the CAC. The winners of the challenge are publicly recognized. To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission. Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. Students may compete in the district they reside in or in the district where they attend school. Students can submit their original apps through October 24. Register now.
NASA’s TechRise Student Challenge
NASA is seeking sixth to 12th-grade student teams to submit high-altitude balloon experiment ideas under the guidance of an educator to the NASA TechRise Student Challenge. Sixty winning teams will get $1500 to build their experiment, a spot to test it on a NASA-sponsored flight, and technical support from the awesome TechRise advisors. It’s a great way to get hands-on with a NASA project this school year, and teams of all skill levels are encouraged to apply – no experience is necessary. Challenge resources (including videos, slide decks, and educator pacing guides) are on the challenge website. Educator workshops are available between now and mid-October to support teachers (register here). Register for a virtual Student Field Trip on September 20 to hear from special NASA guest speakers and get inspired to join the challenge (register here). Entries are due November 1.
CyberPatriot Defense Competition
A new season of CyberPatriot, the nation’s largest youth cyber defense competition, is open. Teams of high school and middle school students are challenged to find and fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities in virtual operating systems. Using a proprietary competition system, teams are scored on how secure they make the system. Top teams advance through the online round of competition, and the best advance to the in-person National Finals Competition. Teams must register by October 2. Join the competition.
eCYBERMISSION Challenge
eCYBERMISSION is a free, virtual STEM competition for students in grades 6-9. Students form teams of 2-4, led by an adult Team Advisor, and select a community problem to investigate with science or solve with engineering. Registration for the 2024-2025 competition is open until February 26, 2025. Mission folder submissions are due March 5, 2025. Get an overview of the challenge and check out the student resources.
STEM-ED Aerospace Robotics Competition (ARC)
STEM-ED, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization, presents the Spring 2025 New England regional Aerospace Robotics Competition (ARC). This is an excellent opportunity for high school students to get real and relevant software and hardware engineering experience, learn drone piloting skills, and interact with like-minded peers and volunteers from industry and academia. The project is yearlong, and competition day will be hosted at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, on May 10, 2025 (tentative). Teams can win cash prizes and top regional teams will be invited to compete in the National competition. For questions, contact [email protected] or check out an info session. Registration is due by October 26.
2025 National STEM Festival
EXPLR presents the 2025 National STEM Festival, the second-annual nationwide initiative to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for STEM among middle and high school students. The Festival invites students in grades 7-12 from across the U.S. and its territories to submit STEM innovations, inventions, and research addressing real-world problems. Students are encouraged to use the scientific method or engineering design process to develop projects that strive to make a tangible real-world impact and create positive change for people and the planet. Up to 150 students will be named National STEM Champions, earning an expense-paid trip for themselves and a chaperone to the National STEM Festival, held at The Square in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Student submissions are accepted on the website until Sunday, October 20. Learn more.
CRE[AT]E National Challenge
Register a team for the BWSI CRE[AT]E Assistive Technology Challenge! High school students get to dive into product design and rapid prototyping by developing solutions for disability-related challenges in their community. Build and test real products with real users! Apply by September 27. Apply here.
CodeWizardsHQ Logic Challenge
CodeWizardsHQ invites kids and teens (ages 8-18) to participate in their 5th Annual CodeWizardsHQ Logic Challenge! This event is designed to build 21st-century computational thinking and problem-solving skills through fun, interactive logic challenges tailored to their age group. The challenge is free, open to all skill levels, and allows students to sharpen their logic and critical thinking skills through engaging story-based, interactive weekly activities. Plus, they can compete with kids across the nation for a chance to win tech prizes. The Challenge starts on September 30 and runs until December 15. Register now!
Splash Programs For Teens This Fall
Registration will open soon for fall Splash programs held by colleges in the Northeast and other parts of the country. Splash is a terrific learning experience for curious middle and high school students who take classes on diverse and fun topics, including STEM, taught by college students on weekends. Read my article to learn about Splash and see if there is a program in your area.
Online STEM Community Events by Create-Learn
Create-Learn, an online STEM education company, regularly offers free live online STEM workshops and activities for kids in grades 2-9. Take a look at their calendar—they are always adding new events. This is a great way to explore your child’s interest in STEM subjects.
The Paper Girls Show
Readers of BostonTechMom might remember when I first wrote about The Paper Girls Show in the summer of 2021. This funny, smart, and maker-focused cartoon series for kids 6+ has gone on to win top media awards and received great reviews from Common Sense Media. The Paper Girls Show features award-winning animated videos and educational programming promoting STEM, mental well-being, and a growth mindset. The show’s philosophy is inspired by MIT’s late Seymour Papert, the father of Constructionist pedagogy. Produced locally in Boston, this series uses hands-on projects and creativity to engage young minds. Visit the YouTube channel to watch videos and get craft ideas, including origami projects!
Junior Scientist Maker Program
I wanted to make educators aware of a new science program that supports educators and sets a new standard for enhancing scientific literacy and critical thinking in American education. Boston-created Junior Scientist Maker Program science platform teaches kids to think like scientists, developing lifelong critical thinking skills. Designed for 6+ year-olds, it combines award-winning narrative media, an inquiry-based curriculum, and hands-on citizen science projects to build scientific literacy and problem-solving abilities. The program is 100% free to use. View the curriculum.
NCWIT Computing Award
Each year, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) honors 9th-12th-grade women, genderqueer, or non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests with the Aspirations in Computing Award. Students with any level of experience are encouraged to apply: NCWIT recognizes aspirations as well as accomplishments! Apply by October 29.
Upcoming Events & Activities in Massachusetts
Featured Event! The Cambridge Science Festival (September 23-September 29)
This year’s Cambridge Science Festival features 275+ STEAM events, activities, workshops, lectures, and more! There will be many family-friendly events—mark your calendars for the always fun Science Carnival on Sunday, September 29, from 12pm-4pm at the Kendall/MIT Open Space. Look through the Festival Guide and see a listing of all events and activities. Every event is free and open to the public, but many have limited capacity. Get your tickets to avoid missing out.
MIT Museum: Teen Council Opportunity
Do you know a high school student passionate about STEAM, event planning, or marketing? Encourage them to apply for the MIT Museum Teen Programming Council! This unique opportunity allows teens to connect with MIT researchers, plan and host STEAM events for their peers, and engage with science and technology in innovative ways. Accepted students will collaborate with like-minded teens on Saturday afternoons from mid-October through mid-May to create engaging experiences for fellow teens at the Museum. Applications are due by September 21.
Health Professions Recruitment & Exposure Program (HPREP) at Harvard Medical School
HPREP is a high school science enrichment program aimed at recruiting high school students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds in the greater Boston area into the science and health professions. HPREP participants (high school freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors) are introduced to various topics in medicine, science and public health under the mentorship of medical school faculty and students. Saturday sessions take place at the Harvard Medical School campus in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston over a 10-week period. This is a free program. The application deadline is September 20.
MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) Fall 2024 High School Program
Starting in October, MIT Beaver Works’ free Fall Outreach Program is designed for 10th and 11th-grade female students. Seven courses are offered, from programming autonomous cars and drones to learning Python. All you need is a laptop and WIFI to join. If a student doesn’t have a laptop, they can provide a loaner, so don’t let that be a barrier to signing up. Applications are due by October 1. Apply here.
RSM Massachusetts Open House Fall Events
RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This fall, they are hosting open house events at branches located in MA. These events are a great opportunity for parents and students to learn about their award-winning program, meet the principals and teachers, learn about their schools, and engage in fun math games and puzzles. The events are open to the community and free for all! Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited, so sign up for an event by reserving a spot for your child. The events page will be updated regularly, with more events to be added in October, November, and December.
After-School STEM Programs
If you’re looking to find an afterschool STEM program for your child this year, here are a few Boston-area organizations to consider:
Acera School’s (Winchester) STEAM enrichment classes are designed to foster kids’ curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills in a hands-on, fun, and collaborative way. Popular classes include LEGO Spike Prime Robotics, Intro and Intermediate Woodworking classes, and Electronic Arts, where students utilize arts and crafts materials to delve into storytelling and visual elements. Classes are open to the community and run on a trimester schedule.
The Robo Hub (Cambridge) is an intergenerational community space focused on STEM education, events, and families. The organization offers Robo Club, an afterschool care program for K-8, STEM classes, workshops, summer camps, and birthday parties. Schedule a tour to learn more.
New England Sci-Tech (Natick) is a non-profit STEM education center and maker space dedicated to project-based, hands-on learning for youth and families. They offer home school enrichment workshops and various engineering, electronics, design, space science, and coding workshops for students. View the events calendar to see what’s being offered now, and sign up for the newsletter to learn about future programs.
Plugged In Band (Needham) offers rock band classes and private music lessons for youth, teens, 20-somethings, and adults. It is a unique, inclusive nonprofit music program where musicians of all levels and needs are welcome. Bands are grouped by age, skill level, and musical interest. Register for the fall session which starts September 16.
Girls STEM Summit Statewide 2025
Registration is open for Girls STEM Summit Statewide, the premier Massachusetts summit for high school girls in grades 8-12 interested in pursuing STEM degrees and exploring STEM career choices.The Summit features STEM-focused career tracks with hands-on learning activities, a keynote presentation by a highly accomplished female STEM professional, and guidance about the best practices for applying to STEM degree programs. The event will occur on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Regis College in Weston. Cost: $85. Register now.
Calendar of Massachusetts Events
September 14: The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), offers free admission day in partnership with UNIQLO to celebrate the newly reopened Arts of Japan galleries. Throughout the day, visitors are invited to make miniature sculptures inspired by Japanese netsuke (10 am–4 pm), enjoy free guided tours (11 am and 2 pm), and experience two energetic performances from Wellesley Aiko, Wellesley College’s taiko drumming group (10:15 am and 11:15 am). Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
September 22: The Harvard Museum of Natural History is hosting ¡Celebremos El Salvador! Celebrate the vibrant culture and natural history of El Salvador. Enjoy captivating folk dances by Grupo Torogoz and try hands-on activities such as painting a traditional copinol seed pendant, learning about ancient Salvadoran pottery with an archaeologist, and going on a Latin America scavenger hunt. This is a free event! Free parking at the 52 Oxford St Garage.
September 23-September 29: Participate in the annual Cambridge Science Festival, a week-long city-wide celebration of innovation and curiosity. See the full listings and check out this year’s themes & series.
September 23-September 29: The MIT Museum will host several special events during the Cambridge Science Festival. Admission to the museum and all events during the festival is free! See the list of events.
September 28: MassRobotics will host the 7th annual Robot Block Party, celebrating robots and robotics in Boston’s Seaport Innovation District. Check out the latest in robotics, including robot demonstrations, hands-on interactions with robots, and games. Register for this free event.
September 29: Attend the family-friendly Science Carnival at the Cambridge Science Festival, featuring over 100 activity booths, demonstrations, live music and events, and the ever-popular Robot Petting Zoo. Join the celebration of exhibitors, educators, and innovators as they transform the Kendall/MIT Open Space from 12-4pm into a giant playground of all things scientific. Free event!
October 1-6: The Discovery Museum (Acton) will host “Pay and Play Like It’s 1982,” charging $2.50 per person from October 1-6 to recognize its founding in October 1982 and to thank its community for more than four decades of support. Advance reservations are recommended to visit and can be made 10 days in advance through the Museum’s website. The Museum is open during the school year from 9:00am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday; it is open with free admission the first Friday night of the month from 4:30 to 8:00pm.
October 13: Attend the annual National Fossil Day at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Ask Harvard paleontologists about their favorite fossils and their latest research projects. Entry with paid admission. Free parking at the 52 Oxford St Garage.
October 13: The Girl Scouts of Central and Western MA is hosting Geek is Glam STEM Expo at WPI, an annual day-long interactive STEM conference for middle school girls (grades 4-8). The cost is $55/ticket. Register by September 19.
October 19: Educators from all content areas and their families are invited to a free Massachusetts Teachers STEM Fair event. Here, you can dive into hands-on STEM lessons, explore state-wide STEM organizations, and ignite excitement to revolutionize your classroom. Empower yourself as an educator and inspire your students for a future filled with innovation and discovery. This event will be held from 9am-1pm at Patriot Place in Foxborough. Register now.
October 23: Brockton Public Library is hosting Planet Earth Family Fun Night from 5-8pm. There will be lots of hands-on activities and science fun! Channel 5 Meteorologist David Williams will speak and answer questions about New England weather. This is a free event! Register to attend.
October 21-25: The annual statewide Massachusetts STEM Week theme is “STEM starts now.” It focuses on learning about STEM at any age, from our youngest to adult learners, and STEM jobs and opportunities in Massachusetts. Programs and events are held throughout the state. Find an event. Teachers: Learn how to bring a STEM design challenge to your classroom.
Coming in November!
- Northeastern University will hold Splash for grades 8-12 on November 9. It is a free event, and registration opens on October 14.
- Brandeis University will hold Splash on November 9 for middle and high school students. It’s a free event! To stay updated, fill out this interest form.
- Clark University will hold Splash on November 17 for grades 5-12. It is a free event, and registration will be open from October 12 to November 15.
- Boston College will hold Splash on November 23 for grades 6-12. Cost: $10.
Image Credit: Acera School
