STEM Research Academy & Camps
Challenge to Excellence
June 1-6, 2025 - 6th-8th grades
June 15-20, 2025 - 9th-12th grades
Now in its 42nd year, Challenge to Excellence is one of the most respected and long-standing summer rental programs for academically talented students in the Midwest. The program’s major goal is to provide students with opportunities to “stretch themselves” in learning experiences that promote higher-level thinking skills and creativity in a variety of academic subjects, such as math, art, psychology, drama, biology, and many others. Camp staff are creative teachers and counselors who are dedicated to providing safe, fun learning experiences for campers.
Many of our former campers have matriculated at our finest universities and are now teachers, doctors, engineers, journalists, computer scientists, and pharmacists. One of our former Challenge to Excellence students received a Pulitzer Prize for journalism.
Challenge to Excellence Registration and Details
Registration and Costs
Camp Costs:
Commuter: $480
Residential: $595
If registering online, payment must be made in full. To set up split payments, call 618/536-7751 to register or, complete the registration form.
All campers must submit a Camp Release Form
Registration:
June 1-6, Challenge to Excellence (6th - 8th grades)
- Register Online - CTE I, Grades 6-8
- Registration Form (PDF)
- By phone:
Call 618-536-7751 and register with a VISA, Discover, or Mastercard.
June 15-20, Challenge to Excellence (9th -12th grades)
- Online - CTE II, Grades 9-12
- Registration Form (PDF)
- By phone:
Call 618-536-7751 and register with a VISA, Discover, or Mastercard.
Camp Activities
Structured, supervised activities including activities from the STEM Education Research Center, College of Education and Human Services, College of Engineering, Theatre, and Art will be provided to all campers throughout their stay, as well as recreation and social engagement opportunities. Campers have the option to register for daytime attendance (commuter) or stay overnight (residential).
Campers have the option to register for daytime attendance (commuter) or stay overnight (residential).
What's Included?
- Meals from Monday to Friday
- Educational supplies and materials
- Limited accident medical insurance
- Camp T-shirt
- Recreational activities
Program Check-in: SIU Campus, East Campus, 4 pm on Sunday - the first day of each camp.
Program Times: Varies each day but generally 8 am – 6 pm
Program Location: SIU Carbondale Campus
Program Requirement: The Camp Release Form is required for camp participation and must be received in our office prior to camp beginning.
Admission Criteria
The academic program consists of several courses/learning experiences designed to challenge campers in mind, body, and spirit. All activities encourage campers to use their creativity and problem-solving skills. It is recommended that students score at the 90th percentile or above on the math, science, and/or language arts sections of an achievement test however, the camp welcomes all students who are up to a challenge.
Contact Information
Dr. Jose Martinez
Camp Director
For camp questions
Phone: (832) 768-1156
jdmh2005@siu.edu
Rebecca Dycus
For registration questions
rdycus@siu.edu
STEM Research Academy
June 8-21, 2025 - 9th-12th grades
Southern Illinois University is excited to announce a new 4-week Summer Researchers Camp. A wide range of projects are available and campers submit their top choices when completing camp registration. Studies include white light solar flares, the US Supreme Court, Mississippi River Wetlands, algae, white-tailed deer, and more.
Campers will delve into their research project, getting a hands-on experience during their stay. The camp culminates with presenting their findings through an academic poster.
STEM Research Academy Registration and Details
SCHEDULE:
Week 1 (40 hours), Remote: Students work under the guidance of their respective research professor to complete a review of the literature to gain the requisite background knowledge to participate in hands-on science during weeks 2 and 3.
Weeks 2-3 (80 hours) - In Person at SIU Campus: Students work with their respective research professors to conduct hands-on data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results. Additionally, students will have a full schedule of extracurricular activities throughout their stay at SIU.
Week 4 (40 hours) - Remote: Students work under the guidance of their respective research professor to complete an academic poster to use as a visual aid to present and publish individual research findings.
Please contact the SIU STEM Center for details.
Involving Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Math
July 14-17, 2025 - 6th-8th grades
Girls STEAM Camp is a four-day program designed for middle school students to explore science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math during the summer break from school.
Faculty and students from the College of Engineering, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, College of Science, and College of Agricultural Science will lead students through hands-on experiments, exploring the natural environment, and engaging demonstrations.
The goal is to explore the world around us, to enhance confidence in problem-solving, to meet new people, and to spark our students' interest in important careers that can improve the world in which we live.
Sponsored by the STEM Education Research Center (SERC) in collaboration with the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences; College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics; College of Liberal Arts; College of Arts and Media; College of Health and Human Sciences; School of Medicine; and School of Education.Assistance may be available to cover some costs, please complete a scholarship application if needed.
*Please note, that SIU is committed to gender inclusivity. As such, this camp is open to all persons, including boys.
STEAM Registration Details
Cost
Camp Fee: $140
Registration
Contact Information
Angela Henson
Camp Director
For camp questions
abox@siu.edu
Rebecca Dycus
For registration questions
rdycus@siu.edu
Sensory Engineering In The Field
July 21-25, 2025, 7th-8th grades
Camp Time 8:30 am-12noon
This camp for students entering grades 7-8 will integrate biology, engineering, and computer coding for five half-days in July. Farmers and biologists have always used their five senses to assess the health of plants. Increasingly, smart machines can be programmed to do the same. Students will learn about the function of the human sensory systems and create devices to duplicate these systems using electronic sensors and tiny computers (micro: bits). Students will learn to program using a simple form of block coding. By the end of the week, each student team will have created and programmed a device to scan a plant leaf, identify common problems, and recommend the appropriate corrective action.
This camp is offered in partnership with the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA)
Sensory Engineering In the Field Registration and Details
Registration
Phone 618/536-7751
Registration deadline is July 7, 2025
Contact Information
Patrick Young
Camp Director
For camp questions
patrick.young@siu.edu
Rebecca Dycus
For registration questions
rdycus@siu.edu