School might be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options for your young learner. In fact, the summer months are prime time for hands-on, STEAM-focused learning experiences, thanks to summer camps, special projects, and seasonal intensives. These opportunities keep kids’ minds engaged and can spark new interests and career ideas. Read on to check out some free and low-cost summer STEAM programs in the Pittsburgh area.

Don’t see your camp or program listed? Email LaTrenda@remakelearning.org to add or update your listing!

All Star Code’s Summer Intensive

A national organization focused on educating young men of color in computer science and tech entrepreneurship, All Star Code’s summer program introduces male students to coding and essential web development skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a network of like-minded peers.

The Summer Intensive is free (and participants are provided with transportation, lunch, field trips, and a laptop) and runs from July 8 – August 16, but you must apply before April 30.

Allegheny County Parks & Rec

Every summer, Allegheny County’s parks department offers a full schedule of free, outdoor activities for kids and learners of all ages. Hike with a park ranger, learn more about local flora and fauna, or master some basic wilderness survival skills.

Don’t live in Allegheny County? Check with your local parks department for free activities in your community.

Brashear Kids Summer Camp

Family and community development nonprofit the Brashear Association offers four free consecutive summer programs throughout June, July, and August. Camps cover the STEAM spectrum, focusing on art, technology, outdoor exploration, and gardening. Camp sessions meet Monday – Thursday, 12 – 4 pm.

Beaver STEAM Camps

In June and July, the Beaver County Libraries offer eight weeks of STEAM workshops to local community partners and neighborhood families. Workshops are held Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am and are geared toward learners is grades PreK – 5. They’re designed to expose students to a variety of areas and interests – everything from aquaponics and kitchen chemistry to art, animals, and making. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information and registration details, check the library’s online calendar.

• June 12: Furs, Feathers, and Scales with Carnegie Natural History Museum
• June 19: Garden & Aquaponics Workshop with Penn State Beaver
• June 26: Take Apart Maker Workshop with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
• July 3: Where the Wild Things Are Music, Movement, and Masks with CFLBF
• July 10: It’s Electric! With Carnegie Science Center (Note: this workshop takes place at 1:30 pm)
• July 17: Kitchen Chemistry with Penn State Extension 4H
• July 24: Mud on the Move with Stray Cat Studio
• July 31: Chalk Talk with the Mattress Factory (Note: this is a 2-hour workshop)

Camp BioE

Middle and high school students interested in bioengineering (specifically tissue engineering) take note! Camp BioE teaches campers about the technologies, experimental strategies, and ethical considerations involved in bioengingeering. The camp highlights state-of-the-art research under current investigation at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond. Camps take place throughout the summer, using curriculum designed by master educators and bioengineering majors.

Center of Life

A community-empowerment organization located in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood, Center of Life focuses on music and arts programming, and their summer camps include various STEAM activities. Students can learn more about the world around them through enrichment, research, field trips, and real-world experiences. Camps are offered at varying price points, some of which are paid training opportunities for teens.

CitiCamp

This nine-week program includes a series of week-long STEAM camps for kids age 7 – 12. Weekly themes incorporate science, technology, art, engineering, nature, history, culture, and career-readiness. CitiCamp is held at rec centers in Brookline, Jefferson, Magee, Ormbsy, and Paulson. Cost per camper is $20/week and lunch is available through the summer food program.

Green STEM and Play with the Makers Clubhouse

Hosted by the Bible Center Church, the Makers Clubhouse works to positively transform outcomes for children in Homewood and surrounding communities. Their summer program is a free, six-week day camp for students in grades 3 – 6, which incorporates science, sports, cooking, and fun field trips. This year’s camp, Green STEAM & Play, runs June 24 – August 2. Download their flyer for more information or sign-up online.

Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK)

Sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers (NBSE), SEEK camp is offered free of charge for rising 4th-6th graders. This three-week camp aims to address disparities in STEM participation for African Americans through early exposure to STEM concepts, positive mentoring relationships with adult NSBE members, and team-focused project-based learning curriculum. These camps have no eligibility requirements (although their mission is to increase these opportunities for students of color) and focus on building foundational skills while encouraging imagination and creative problem-solving.