Discover STEM

STEM summer program for students entering 11th or 12th grade

Where can your interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics take you?

During our interactive summer programs, you will network with peers while learning about current topics in research and exploring academic programs and career pathways through presentations, laboratory tours, science experiments, technology demonstrations, and Q&A sessions. Presenters may include College of Science and Engineering (CSE) faculty and graduate researchers, recent alumni in industry, and undergraduate students. Each session will have a unique schedule representing the variety of STEM pathways available through the College of Science and Engineering.

Summer 2024

Summer 2024 programs will be offered in person. We are committed to providing a safe and engaging environment for our community, and all sessions will follow the health and safety recommendations of industry authorities (e.g. American Camp Association, Minnesota Department of Health, Center for Disease Control).  Additional information will be available to admitted students in May. 

• Location: University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus
• Dates: All programs will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
  • Monday, July 29-Friday, Aug. 2, or
  • Monday, Aug. 5-Friday, Aug. 9, or
  • Monday, Aug. 12-Friday, Aug. 16

Cost

Thanks to the generosity of 3M, there is no cost to apply and attend Discover STEM.

Application information

Due to limited space, admission to Discover STEM is expected to be competitive. The competitiveness of admission will be based on the number of applications received and the applicants' qualifications. Enrolling an academically qualified, diverse student body is essential to Discover STEM, so applicants from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply.

Eligibility criteria

• High school students entering grades 11 or 12 in fall 2024
• Priority will be given to students who have not previously participated in Discover STEM

Application submission requirements

Applications can be submitted fully online or fully by mail by request.  Applications submitted in multiple parts and/or formats will not be reviewed for admission.  Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by Friday, April 19, 2024.

Applications must include the applicant’s high school transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable); a recommendation from a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher or high school counselor; and personal statement responses.

Apply now!

For further details about the mail submission process, please contact cseoutreach@umn.edu.

Admission timeline

Applications will be reviewed holistically by committee after the Friday, April 19, 2024, application deadline. Students will be notified of their application status via email no later than Friday, April 24, 2024. Upon admission, students will have 10 business days to confirm their enrollment by submitting their enrollment fee or scholarship request. Applicants who are not initially accepted will be automatically added to the waiting list and notified if a spot becomes available to them.

Admission decisions

Admission decisions are based on the holistic assessment of each applicant’s academics and individual circumstances (listed below). The strongest consideration in the decision is given to academics, but no single factor will be the deciding factor.

In addition to academics, individual circumstances are also considered as part of the overall assessment of each application, and should be highlighted in the applicant’s recommendation and personal statement responses:

• Outstanding talent, achievement, or aptitude in a particular area
• Strong commitment to community service and leadership
• Contribution to the cultural, gender, age, economic, racial, or geographic diversity of the student body
• Experience of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement
• First-generation college student
• Significant responsibility in a family, community, job, or activity
• Extenuating circumstances

For more information, send an email to CSEoutreach@umn.edu.

Discover STEM is sponsored by