In recent years, educators, parents, and students have come to value summer learning more than ever. It gives youth a way to explore their passions more deeply, outside of formal school settings. It offers an option for safe, in-person learning during the era of all-things-virtual. But perhaps most importantly, summer learning gives students from underserved communities – those living in poverty, learners of color, learners in rural areas, girls in STEM, and learners with disabilities – access to free, high-quality enrichment across disciplines.
Though it’s still winter in the greater Pittsburgh region, many summer programs are already gearing up for sunny skies and full rosters. We’re featuring a number of programs from across the Remake Learning network below, starting with several that can help older youth prepare for their future and develop interests in STEM, design, or entrepreneurship.
We’ll be adding to this list throughout the season, so check back soon for updates!
Please note: All programs are free and many offer additional supports for students. Dates and details are subject to change.
CS Explorers Summer Camp
Get to know computer science career pathways! Students attending STEM Coding Labs’ CS Explorers camp will meet with industry professionals daily and engage in hands-on and computer-based activities. The camp will host three, 2-week sessions over the summer, each at a different Pittsburgh-area location (see below for details). Sessions run Monday – Thursday, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.
Program Dates: Session One (West Penn Rec Center) July 11 – 21; Session Two (Energy Innovation Center) July 25 – August 4; Session Three (Commonwealth Charter Academy) August 8 – 18
Application Details: Register now for Session One, Session Two, or Session Three. Students should sign up for only one session.
Eligibility: Designed for students entering grades 6 – 9
Artificial Intelligence Pathways Institute Activation Camp
In this three-week camp, students will begin to understand Artificial Intelligence (AI) and use their new skills to compete in a National AI challenge! Students need no prior knowledge, will be paid a $500 stipend to learn, and will have an opportunity to earn certificates from CMU and NVIDIA and apply for paid, year-long internships.
Program Dates: July 25 – August 12
Application Details: Applications open now. Apply here. The first round of applicants will be notified of their application results by June 1.
Eligibility: Open to teens entering grades 9 – 12
The Hillman Academy
The Hillman Academy provides authentic research experiences and mentorship to high school students. Participants work in labs on a cancer research project alongside a Pitt faculty member, graduate student, or post-doc. Great for students interested in STEM, biomedicine, or research!
Program Dates: June 20 – August 5
Application Details: Applications open now through mid-February. The program accepts 60 – 70 students per summer. Apply here.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students with preference given to rising juniors and seniors. Applicants must be at least 15-years-old by the start of the program, be in good academic standing, and have no school suspensions. Read more about eligibility. The program offers 34+ stipends of $2,400 to students from underrepresented groups.
The University of Pittsburgh Architectural Studies Program Summer Studio
Also known as the Experiencing Architecture program, this four-week experience immerses high school students in the various facets of architecture and design. Participants develop foundational skills for architecture – including sketching, drawing, and model making – while working on design projects and using Pitt’s architecture studios and maker spaces. Students get a sense of what it’s like to study and practice architecture and related professions through office tours, construction site visits, and walking tours of notable buildings in and around the city.
Program Dates: July 2022
Application Details: Applications open in January. All applicants will receive a status update by mid-April. For questions, email Sara Pettit at stp85@pitt.edu.
Eligibility: Applicants must submit a complete online application, including an essay stating what they hope to gain from participation and at least one letter of recommendation. Students in grades nine through 12 from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong interest in pursuing architecture or design beyond high school.
Readiness Institute Summer Program
This six-week paid experience for rising high school seniors helps students become community and future-ready. Participants will build relationships and rituals, participate in essential skill workshops, complete projects that address real-world problems, and create personalized road maps for future success. Participants will gain an improved sense of self and be better able to answer questions like “Who am I?”, “Who do I want to become?”, and “How do I get there?”
Program Dates: June 27 – August 4
Application Details: Applications open now through April 1. Apply here. The program will admit a maximum of 45 participants. Each will receive a stipend of $2,000 and a laptop to use while enrolled. The program will also provide transportation as needed.
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors with preference given to those attending high school in Allegheny County.
Black Female Leadership Development Institute
This Urban League program offers African American women in grades nine through 12 educational and leadership opportunities. Participants develop networking, communication, advocacy, and leadership skills that help them influence local, national, and global communities. The program features student workshops, peer collaboration, and student discussion groups.
Program Dates: Begins in February, continuing throughout the year
Application Details: Applications open now. Apply here.
Eligibility: Students must be between 13- and 17-years-old and enrolled in high school.
ICE-T Project
In this initiative of The Citizen Science Lab, Black/African-American youth will learn the computational and experimental techniques required to examine the physiology, biochemistry, and voltage potential of microbial fuel cells (MFC), a living battery powered by bacteria. After learning basic concepts, students will build and create a device powered by these living batteries.
Program Dates: Summer 2022
Application Details: TBA. Follow The Citizen Science Lab on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for program updates.
Eligibility: Open to Black/African-American high school youth.
Startable PGH
Startable teaches students 13- to 18-years-old entrepreneurial and engineering skills through the design and commercialization of hardware products. Participants build their own business, keep profits from their products, and pitch for prize money at a final event. Startable will offer their 2022 program in a hybrid model; some cohorts will meet virtually, and others will meet in person.
Program Dates: The start date depends on the cohort schedule and ends on August 5.
Application Details: Applications open May 2022 at startablepgh.org.
Eligibility: The program is for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, technology, or skill-building in related areas.
Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code summer programs teach girls and non-binary students the computer science skills they need to drive community impact and prepare for a tech career. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, meet women in tech careers, and join a supportive sisterhood of girls in tech. The program is available as a 2-week intensive immersion or a 6-week self-paced program and offers a needs-based stipend for eligible students in the United States.
Program Dates: TBA
Application Details: TBA; prospective students can complete the interest form to receive updates.
Eligibility: The immersion program is available for rising 10th-12th grade girls or current 9th-11th grade girls.