This summer, middle and high school students can experience life on a college campus while exploring exciting fields of study at the free 2026 Summer Academies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
STEM Summer Academies, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, are open to upcoming eighth- through 12th-graders. Each academy explores the latest trends in science, technology, engineering and math through fun, hands-on activities and innovative technology as students experiment both in the classroom and outdoors. Many academies also include field trips to some of the state’s top companies and science facilities.
The 2026 academies will be offered by 12 Oklahoma colleges and universities in May, June, and July. The 16 unique academies will be offered statewide and last from four days to two weeks. Some academies require students to live in the campus residence halls, while others require that students travel to and from campus each day. This year, there are seven residential academies and nine unique commuter academies.
“STEM education is essential to driving innovation, strengthening our economy, and opening doors to high‑demand careers,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “Our Summer Academies give middle and high school students the chance to explore STEM fields firsthand and experience campus life. Students who participate in these academies are more likely to pursue higher education and earn a degree.”
Applications are now being accepted for the academies, and many have deadlines. Because the academies are free and enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to apply early. To qualify, students must be entering eighth through 12th grade this fall. The academies are not exclusively for top students but instead are designed to give all students an opportunity to increase their interest and confidence in STEM fields and, ultimately, expand their career and educational aspirations.
Academy descriptions and contact information are available at https://okhighered.org/summer-academies/. Students can also get information from their school counselors or by calling (800) 858-1840.
Academies offered this summer include:
Cameron University, Lawton
- NanoExplorers: A High School Summer STEM Academy, June 14-19 and June 21-26 (Grades 9-12)
East Central University, Ada
- Molecules of Nature Summer Academy, May 31- June 5 (Grades 8-9)
Murray State College, Tishomingo
- The WORLD of STEM, June 1-5 (Grades 8-9)
Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow
- Camp Biomed: A Glowing Overview, June 22-26 (Grades 8-10)
- Get Green for Blue: Outdoor STEM Investigations Connecting Water to You, June 1-5 (Grades 8-11)
Northeastern State University, Tahlequah
- DroneXperience Summer Academy, July 20-24 (Grades 8-12)
- Robotics for Young Scientists and Engineers, June 8-12 (Grades 8-12)
Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva
- Renewable Energy – The Future is Here – Learning & Exploring Today, June 14-19 (Grades 9-12)
Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City
- CHAMPS – Careers in Health and Medical Professions, June 22-25 (Grades 8-12)
- Lights, Camera, Action! A Digital Cinema Production Summer Academy, June 24-27 (Grades 10-12)
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Okmulgee
- Emerging and Converging Technologies Summer Academy, May 31-June 5 (Grades 8-10)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant
- PI-STEM Summer Academy, June 1-4 (Grade 9)
Tulsa Community College
- TCC Summer STEM Academy: Building Your Sustainable Future, June 7-12 (Grades 9-12)
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
- UCO Explore Engineering Summer Academy, June 1-5 and June 8-12 (Grades 8-10)
University of Oklahoma, Norman
- The Human Water Cycle, June 1-4 (Grades 8-12)
The University of Tulsa
- 2026 Cryptography Summer Academy, June 15-20 (Grades 8-9)