SPARK Summer Program
STEM is for everyone.
Applications open now until May 1, 2026!
About SPARK
SPARK is a summer camp designed to support the success of middle school girls interested in STEM.
We offer a unique, project-based and hands-on experience designed and delivered by current UConn undergraduate women studying engineering and science. With guidance from UConn faculty and staff, as well as input from our corporate and non-profit partners, our program provides real-world insights into engineering and innovation.
We are proud to partner with Next Minds! Sparklers will engage in daily innovation sessions where they can be creative and go through the invention design process!
Winners within our SPARK program are invited to compete at the Connecticut Invention Convention!
There’s Layers to This!
Excellence Through Intentionality on Multiple Levels
At SPARK, nothing is accidental and every experience is designed with purpose.
Our STEM Layer empowers Sparklers to learn real science and engineering while building the skills, habits of mind, and hands‑on confidence they need to thrive in labs, makerspaces, and beyond. Alongside it, our Life Lesson Layer honors that Sparklers are humans with great potential and impact; they will discover their individual strengths, practice leadership and teamwork, build community, and leave feeling empowered.
Each week’s activities intentionally weave these layers together so SPARKlers are not just completing challenges; they are growing as creators, problem solvers, and people.
Who’s Eligible?
Must be a current 5th – 7th grade student during the school year (rising 6-8th graders). Home schooled students are welcome!
Applicants who are not in the grade range but are interested in the program are encouraged to apply to be placed on the waiting list.
Rising 9th graders are eligible for our Explore Engineering program.
As housing is provided, out of state students are welcome. Airport transportation can be arranged.
Neurodivergent students are welcome, and we are ready to support you.
Program Schedule
Take a look at each week and learn about the STEM and Life Lesson Layers. Each week is catered for a variety of majors you might be interested in. Don’t forget to check out the Program Overview!
Sunday, June 28th – Friday, July 3rd
STEM Layer: Bioscaffolds and Healing
Life Lesson Layer: Resilience and Grit
During this hands‑on week, campers become mini–bioengineers as they explore how cells grow, change, and respond to the world around them. From streaking real agar plates to building 3D‑printed cell structures to experimenting with hydrogels, SPARKlers discover how living things handle pressure and challenging environments, and how they can, too. This week blends real science with powerful life lessons about resilience, adaptation, and growing stronger through challenges.
Ideal for students interested in:
- Pre-Med or Health Care Careers
- Biological Sciences (like Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics)
- Biomedical Engineering (like Tissue Engineering, CRISPR, Biotechnology)
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
Sunday, July 5th – Friday, July 10th
STEM Layer: Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Life Lesson Layer: Flexibility and Creativity, and Understanding Uniqueness
During this dynamic week, SPARKlers become young engineers as they explore how different materials, structures, and designs respond to stress, load, and real‑world challenges. Through hands‑on builds, break tests, and redesign challenges, campers learn why no single material is perfect in every situation, and why thoughtful engineering matters. This week invites SPARKlers to see that their own differences are strengths, helping them understand how both systems and people are built with purpose.
Ideal for students interested in:
- Product Design, Architecture, or Industrial Design
- Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Civil or Structural Engineering
July 13 – July 18
STEM Layer: Protective Systems and Filtration Technologies
Life Lesson Layer: Boundaries, Protecting your Energy, and Advocacy
In this immersive week, SPARKlers explore how systems stay safe through filters, films, barriers, and pharmaceutical delivery designs. Campers experiment with water and air filtration, protective coatings, and controlled‑release materials to see how engineered systems manage threats, separate what is helpful from what is harmful, and keep essential elements protected. At the same time, SPARKlers learn that people also need healthy boundaries and protection mechanisms so they can use their energy wisely and thrive.
Ideal for students interested in:
- Sustainability, Water Purification, or Air Quality Science
- Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Delivery, or Public Health
Financial and Transportation Information
Early Bird Applicants (Apply by March 1, 2026): $1000 per week
Standard Applicants (Apply by May 1, 2026): $1500 per week
We welcome applicants to apply for as many weeks as desired!
Please note, if participating in multiple sessions, campers must go home Friday evening and return Sunday in between sessions. We do not offer weekend programming.
You may leave your belongings in the dorm room over the weekend if desired.
6 month payment plan: June – December 2026
9 month payment plan accelerated: June 2026 – March 2027
9 month payment plan early: September 2026 – June 2027
25% Waiver: $375 off, $1125 due
50% Waiver: $750 off, $750 due
75% Waiver: $1125 off, $375 due
100% Waiver: $1500 off, $100 refundable deposit due
Combination plans (waiver & payment plan) are also available.
This is built into our program application (no separate application needed)!
Financial Assistance is awarded on a demonstrated need basis.
The application will ask you to upload documentation (i.e.. unemployment, tax return, demonstration of free/reduced lunch, etc.)
For an additional ~$50 round trip, we can provide safe and reliable transportation to/from camp.
Pick Up Locations:
- Bradley Airport
- Hartford (UConn Hartford AND Union Station Pick Up Sites)
- New Haven (University of New Haven Pick Up Site)
- Stamford (UConn Stamford AND Stamford Train Station Pick Up Sites)
Early Bird Acceptance Notification: March 15, 2026
Standard Acceptance Notification: May 15, 2026
Payment Window Without Financial Assistance: May 15 – June 30, 2026
6 month payment plan: June – December 2026
9 month payment plan accelerated: June 2026 – March 2027
9 month payment plan early: September 2026 – June 2027
Interested?
UPDATE 2/9/2026
Thanks for your interest in Spark! Applications for Spark 2026 are now open. For questions, email engr-spark@uconn.edu.
Also, please note that the website is currently being updated. If you have any comments or questions regarding previous website content, please contact us.