Cheers to a new year! Here’s what you can look forward to as we kick off 2025.
National Programs and Events
Future Engineers STEM Challenges
Future Engineers is running three free STEM innovation challenges for students. They can be done in the classroom, in a club or afterschool program, or at home! Learn about nuclear “batteries” that power space exploration in the Power to Explore Challenge for K-12 (entries due January 31). Research impacts of climate hazards in your community in the Battelle Climate Challenge for grades 9-12 (entries due 2/7). Draw how a rainforest animal may adapt due to climate change in the Future Creatures Challenge for K-12 (entries due 2/28).
Bee a ChemE: Learn About Chemical Engineering
Bee a ChemE is an initiative from AIChE, the global home of chemical engineers. It is designed to inspire curiosity and empower students to make a positive impact through chemical engineering. By addressing the STEM gap, they’re shaping the future of innovation through the next generation of engineers! The organization has created an engaging activity booklet featuring a word search and DIY activities, such as making biodegradable plastic, lip balms, fizzy drinks, and more. Plus, there’s a beautiful illustration for kids to color in!
STEM Activities You Can Do at Home
Discovery Museum in Massachusetts offers Discovery at Home, a free online resource with family-friendly learning explorations. Offered in eight languages, these activity ideas are themed around nature play, everyday engineering, kitchen science, art and making, and math. Use simple materials that can be found around the home or outdoors.
Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Girls Who Code offers free virtual summer programs for high school girls and non-binary students to learn the computer science skills they need to make an impact. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week experience to learn game design in live virtual classrooms while making friends and gaining practical college and career advice from industry leaders (for current 9-11th grades). Pathways is a six-week opportunity to explore some of the biggest topics in tech independently (for current 9-12th grades). Apply now.
Planning for Summer Camps
This is a great time to consider STEM summer camps and pre-college programs. Many programs fill up fast, and some require applications. Learn about nationwide summer camps as well as online instructor-led programs. If you live in Massachusetts, review my extensive list of 100+ STEM summer camps. If you’re unsure where to start and need help, I offer personalized consulting services for families.
Upcoming Events & Activities in Massachusetts
BioBuilder High School Apprentice Challenge
Applications are open for BioBuilder’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge. They’re seeking enthusiastic students passionate about biology, innovation, and hands-on learning. Student apprentices will engage in hands-on laboratory experiences, learn from experts in the field, and earn micro-credentials for skills needed to work in the biotech industry. To be considered for this program, students must attend an under-resourced high school in the Boston or Worcester area, self-identify as economically disadvantaged, or be a first-generation applicant for higher education in the US, and be 16 years old as of June 1, 2025. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through February 21. Apply now!
The Marjot Foundation: Environmental Science Research
The Marjot Foundation funds independent research in environmental sciences with projects designed by high school students. Motivated students or teams of students in grades 9-12 from New England and New York are welcome to apply for Marjot Foundation grants. Applications are due April 25.
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, a keynote presentation by a highly accomplished female STEM professional, and college admissions best practices for applying to STEM degree programs. The event will occur on Sunday, April 27, at Regis College in Weston. Cost: $85. Register now.
Calendar of Massachusetts Events
January 18-19: Einstein’s Workshop in Burlington is offering free drop-in hours from 10am-6pm. Come play with their STEAM-themed toys and games!
February 20: Wentworth Institute of Technology is hosting Engineers: Make a World of Difference. This free program is open to students in grades 5-8 of all genders looking to learn more about engineering and celebrate National Engineers Week. Join the mailing list to be notified when registration opens.
March 1-2: MIT Blueprint is a weekend-long learnathon and hackathon for high school students on MIT’s campus. All high school students are eligible to apply, and all levels of coding experience are welcome! Free event! Apply now.
March 1: The Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University is hosting Earthrise Concerto by Multiverse Concert Series. The concert will celebrate the iconic Earthrise image from Apollo 8. Tickets are available January 15.
March 15-16: Registration for MIT’s popular Splash program for middle and high school students will open in mid-to-late February. Create an account, and you will be alerted when registration opens.
