Discover the 6 Best STEM Summer Programs for Girls in 2025
6 minute read
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) remains in high demand, especially as AI continues to reshape industries and drive innovation. Over the past decade, more students have pursued STEM studies, with demand for these skills steadily increasing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 10.7 million people in the U.S. held STEM jobs in 2023, with employment projected to grow by 10.4% by 2033.
However, despite this growth, girls remain underrepresented in many STEM fields. To bridge this gap, it’s essential to provide opportunities that encourage their interest and confidence in STEM from an early age. Since many internships have age restrictions, summer programs offer girls a great way to explore, practice, and engage with STEM in a hands-on and supportive environment. These programs not only sharpen skills but also make summer both productive and exciting.
Why is Girls in STEM Important?
Despite the increasing demand for STEM skills, the field is still male-dominated, with women making up only 28% of the workforce. This creates both a challenge and an opportunity for girls to bridge the gender gap. The challenge is to overcome stereotypes and show that girls can succeed in STEM. This is especially true for fields that require strong technical skills and dedication, where girls have had limited opportunities. But the good news? More industries now see the value of diversity, leading to more scholarships, mentorships, and programs that help girls break into STEM.
Early exposure to STEM builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and career readiness. Boys often receive Legos and puzzles that encourage critical thinking, while girls are more likely to get art supplies and dolls, shaping their interests and self-perception in STEM. However, interests and abilities can grow with the right opportunities. When girls have equal access to STEM early on, they develop confidence, gain valuable skills, and open up a wider range of career possibilities.
Now is the time to give girls equal access to STEM opportunities, helping them grow and make an impact. Summer programs offer mentorship and networking, connecting girls with experienced professionals who provide guidance and career insights. Many programs target high school students, providing them with essential skills. These connections inspire and support girls as they explore future career paths.
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Top STEM Summer Programs for Girls in 2025
#1 Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
This two-week virtual program introduces girls to game design, helping them build friendships and gain practical college and career advice from industry leaders. It’s designed to teach computer science fundamentals, offering career workshops, mentorship, and networking sessions with tech professionals. By the end, girls will have created real-world projects and gained valuable insights into pursuing a career in tech.
#2 Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program
This four-week residential program is designed for high school students passionate about STEM research. Participants work closely with professors on hands-on activities in biology, physics, and engineering, gaining real lab experience while exploring various STEM career paths. Through immersive learning, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of scientific research in a collaborative and supportive environment.
#3 MIT Women’s Technology Program
This highly selective four-week summer program is designed for high school students interested in engineering and computer science, even those with little or no prior experience. Participants engage in hands-on labs, design challenges, and team-based projects while learning from MIT University faculty and students. The program builds confidence in engineering, encourages the exploration of new interests, and prepares students for future STEM opportunities in college and beyond.
#4 iD Tech’s Alexa Café
This girls-only summer coding and technology camp blends STEM learning with creativity and entrepreneurship. Depending on the location, students can choose courses in Python, AI, game design, web development, and robotics. In a supportive and collaborative environment, participants develop coding skills, create projects, and work with mentors to bring their ideas to life.
#5 Kode With Klossy
This free summer coding camp, founded by model and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, empowers young women with coding and leadership skills. Participants learn full-stack web development, artificial intelligence, and data science while working on real-world projects and collaborating with peers. The program offers mentorship from industry professionals, helping students develop problem-solving skills, build a portfolio, and gain confidence in tech careers. No prior coding experience is needed, making it an ideal opportunity for beginners and those looking to start their journey in programming.
#6 Stanford AI4ALL
This two-week online program increases diversity in artificial intelligence by immersing students in AI through interactive lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentorship. Participants explore cutting-edge topics such as robotics, computer vision, medical AI, and natural language processing, while also examining AI's ethical and societal impacts. They engage with industry professionals, gaining foundational knowledge and real-world insights into how AI can be applied to solve challenges in fields like healthcare, finance, and beyond.
Most Famous Women In STEM: World Changers
Throughout history, women have made groundbreaking contributions to STEM, changing the world of science and technology. Their work has not only advanced their fields but also inspired future generations. Here are some of the most influential women in STEM and the remarkable ways they changed the world:
Marie Curie (1867–1934)
Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, known for her groundbreaking research in radioactivity. Her discoveries of polonium and radium contributed to advancements in radiation therapy for cancer treatment and the development of X-ray machines during World War I. Curie’s pioneering work laid the foundation for nuclear energy and continues to inspire women in STEM to this day.
Ada Lovelace (1815–1852)
Ada Lovelace is widely recognized as the first computer programmer. She wrote the first algorithm for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, understanding that machines could do more than just process numbers. Her visionary insights laid the foundation for modern computing and software development.
Katherine Johnson (1918–2020)
Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician whose calculations played a crucial role in launching astronauts into space. Her precise trajectory computations were essential for John Glenn’s orbital flight and the success of the Apollo Moon landing. Johnson broke both racial and gender barriers in STEM, leaving a lasting impact on the field and inspiring future generations of scientists.
Mae Jemison (1956–Present)
Mae Jemison made history as the first African American woman in space, flying aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. She is a strong advocate for STEM education, particularly for women and minorities, and encourages diversity in science and technology. Jemison’s legacy continues to inspire young people to pursue careers in space exploration and engineering.
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How Do Summer STEM Programs Prepare Youth Girls for College and Careers in STEM?
STEM summer programs do more than just teach new skills—they set girls up for success in college and beyond. These programs provide opportunities to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and form lasting relationships. Here’s how they create a lasting impact:
Builds a strong resume: Hands-on projects, research, and mentorship help students stand out in college applications and job searches. The practical experience gained is valued by employers and admissions officers, making it a great addition to any resume.
Provides real-world experience: Many STEM programs offer internships, capstone projects, or collaborations with industry professionals, giving students a glimpse of what it's like to work in STEM fields. This exposure helps students understand how their skills apply to careers and prepares them for future challenges. Summer sessions on a university campus also provide a glimpse into life in college.
Encourages networking: STEM programs offer the chance to connect with professionals, mentors, and peers who share similar interests. Building a supportive network can lead to internships, scholarships, and valuable career advice, helping students create new opportunities for the future.
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Flexible Learning: Polygence offers research projects that align with your career goals, allowing you to learn at your own pace while building the skills needed for the future. Whether you're interested in computer science, biology, or engineering, the flexible format lets you dive into projects that challenge you and prepare you for the next steps in your academic and professional journey.
Admissions Boost: The projects you complete through Polygence allow you to showcase your skills in innovation, research, and problem-solving—key qualities that college admissions officers look for. These real-world experiences demonstrate your ability to think critically and tackle complex problems, giving you a competitive edge in your applications and future career.
Your Future in STEM Starts Now
The earlier girls start in STEM, the more confident and ready they are for future opportunities. Enrolling in STEM programs early can spark their interest, develop their skills, and give them the confidence to succeed. Summer programs, along with the personalized mentorship from Polygence, provide a strong way to succeed in college and careers, giving girls the tools to stand out in a competitive world.
Polygence Pods are a great way for girls to go further in their STEM journey. With expert mentors guiding group research courses, students dive deeply into a shared topic, gaining valuable research skills and improving their critical thinking. This flexible, hands-on experience connects students with peers who have similar passions. Polygence Pods provide the mentorship and resources needed for success in college and beyond.
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