Discover what it’s like to solve real-world problems alongside Army scientists, engineers, and innovators. IGNITE is a hands-on summer STEM experience designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students explore exciting futures in science and technology. Through experiences like building robots, exploring cybersecurity, and delving into environmental science, IGNITE offers immersive opportunities to collaborate, experiment, and grow.
IGNITE is open to middle and high school students who enjoy hands-on projects, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students do not need prior experience in STEM to participate.
Upcoming Summer Sessions
STARBASE Los Alamitos
11525 Freedom Way, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
July 13 – 17, 2026
IGNITE I (Rising Grades 6 – 8)
Students will explore a range of topics including robotics (LEGO Spike), programming, chemistry, CAD, flight simulation, rocketry, and more with engaging hands-on activities, experiments, and engineering challenges.
July 20 – 24, 2026
IGNITE II (Rising Grades 9 – 11)
Students will explore a more advanced curriculum including chemistry, biochemistry, programming, drones, a cardboard regatta boat-building challenge, and other special topics with educational and challenging hands-on activities.
July 27 – 31, 2026
IGNITE III (Rising Grades 10 – 12)
Building on previous GEMS experiences, students will explore advanced topics including rocketry, CAD, 3D printing, biochemistry, forensic science, drones, and more with teamwork, skill development, and hands-on experimentation.
850 Aiken Ave, Perryville, MD 21903
Two Weeks:
July 6 – 9 and July 13 – 16, 2026
UGV and ROUV (Rising Grades 9 – 12)
Autonomous Robotics Summer Session (UGV)
Rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors will design, build, and program a fully autonomous robot using sensors and the engineering design process. Students integrate sensors, write and refine code for independent navigation, and test iterative improvements. The session ends with a head-to-head autonomous challenge on a complex course—no human control allowed.
Underwater Robotics Summer Session (ROUV)
Rising Freshman and Sophomores will design, 3D-model, and build a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROUV), mastering buoyancy, the engineering design process, and engineering notebooks. Students learn workshop safety, soldering, drilling, and precision cutting. The week ends with an exciting pool challenge where teams compete in underwater missions testing control, speed, and innovation.
These summer sessions are part of the NDEP RoboMasterminds program.
4465 Indian Head Hwy, Indian Head, MD 20640
Two Weeks:
July 20 – 23 and July 27 – 30, 2026
UGV and ROUV (Rising Grades 9 – 12)
Autonomous Robotics Summer Session (UGV)
Rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors will design, build, and program a fully autonomous robot using sensors and the engineering design process. Students integrate sensors, write and refine code for independent navigation, and test iterative improvements. The week ends with a head-to-head autonomous challenge on a complex course—no human control allowed.
Underwater Robotics Summer Session (ROUV)
Rising Freshman and Sophomores will design, 3D-model, and build a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROUV), mastering buoyancy, the engineering design process, and engineering notebooks. Students learn workshop safety, soldering, drilling, and precision cutting. The week ends with an exciting pool challenge where teams compete in underwater missions testing control, speed, and innovation.
These summer sessions are part of the NDEP RoboMasterminds program.
6488 Rodman Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005
July 6-9, 2026
IGNITE: Intro to Engineering (Rising Grades 7 – 9)
This summer session will explore different core engineering fields such as biological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, material engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. Students will learn basic engineering principles through hands on activities, compete in engineering design challenges, and learn about a wide variety of engineering careers. Guest Army scientists will share what they love about science, discuss their STEM careers, and provide information on educational opportunities and scholarships in STEM!
July 20-23, 2026
IGNITE: CAD Engineering (Rising Grades 9 – 11)
This summer session will explore methods of Computer Aided Design and the basic principles of 3D printing. Students will design 3D models in Tinkercad and print prototypes. Students will use the Engineering Design Process to test models, make improvements, and compete in Engineering Design Challenges. Guest Army scientists will share what they love about science, discuss their STEM careers, and provide information on educational opportunities and scholarships in STEM!
Note: Prior experience with Tinkercad is NOT required.
1201 Technology Dr, Aberdeen, MD 21001
June 22 – 26, 2026
IGNITE: Cybersecurity (Rising Grades 10 – 12)
Students entering 10th – 12th grade will immerse themselves in the world of cybersecurity during a one-week interactive STEM program. Join us for an exciting week of hands-on learning, where participants will explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity and engage in real-world simulations, master cutting-edge tools, and collaborate with Cyber experts to develop practical skills in protecting digital systems.
July 20 – 24, 2026
Computer Science and Introduction to AI (Rising Grades 9 – 12)
Description: Enter the exciting world of computer science and artificial intelligence! Participants will explore foundational CS principles, discover how AI works, design and test their own algorithms, master the basics of Python programming, and investigate the powerful ways technology shapes our world—from solving real problems to imagining the future. This session is part of the NDEP RoboMasterminds program.
July 27 – 30, 2026
Drone Engineering (Rising Grades 10 – 12)
Description: Soar into the world of aerial technology at Drone Camp! Campers will dive into the physics of flight and the secrets behind sensor technology, explore every component that makes a drone fly, assemble and fine-tune their very own high-performance drone from the ground up, and put their creations to the ultimate test in an action-packed obstacle course competition. This session is part of the NDEP RoboMasterminds program.
Aug. 3 – 6, 2026
Sumobots (Rising Grades 4 – 5)
Description: During this 4-day hands-on program, students will work in teams of two under the guidance of teachers. Students will design, build, and program SumoBots that navigate and battle in a fun competition format with other robot teams. SumoBots are small autonomous robots that use sensors to detect each other. In “battle” they “fight” to push the opponent robot out of a competition ring. Students will learn engineering design, minimum viable product, block coding (test and refine programs), and robotics. Sumobots is part of the NDEP RoboMasterminds program.
4505 Pulaski Hwy, Belcamp, MD 21017
July 27 – 31, 2026
IGNITE ENERGY SCIENCES (RISING Grades 6 – 8)
Description: Students entering 6th – 8th grade will explore emerging energy sciences and technologies through interactive demonstrations, guided discussions, and hands-on activities. The Energy Science summer session is part of ETC’s BEST START program, please visit the BEST START website to learn more.
2800 Powder Mill Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783
July 6 – 9, 2026
INGITE: Explore (Rising Grades 6 – 7)
Students will explore electronics, reusable energy, biotechnology, additive manufacturing, programming, and night vision through engaging demonstrations, tours and hands-on laboratory activities.
July 13 – 16, 2026
IGNITE: Energy Science (Rising Grades 6 – 8)
Students entering 6th – 8th grade will explore emerging energy sciences and technologies through interactive demonstrations, guided discussions, and hands-on activities. The Energy Science Summer Camp is part of ETC’s BEST START program, please visit the BEST START website to learn more.
July 20 – 23, 2026
IGNITE: Explore (Rising Grades 7 – 8)
Students will explore electronics, reusable energy, biotechnology, additive manufacturing, programming, and night vision through engaging demonstrations, tours and hands-on laboratory activities.
July 27 – 31, 2026
IGNITE: JROTC Engineering (Rising Grades 9 – 11)
All about engineering! Cadets will acquire knowledge about circuit design, electronic devices, 3D Printing, and soldering as they take on multiple engineering challenges in this one-week session.
JROTC IGNITE programs are coordinated directly with schools. Interested in bringing the program to your high school? Please send us a note at ignite@arloutreach.org
Aug. 3 – 7, 2026
IGNITE: Cybersecurity (Rising Grades 10 – 12)
Students entering 10th – 12th grade will immerse themselves in the world of cybersecurity during a one-week interactive STEM program. Join us for an exciting week of hands-on learning, where participants will explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity and engage in real-world simulations, master cutting-edge tools, and collaborate with Cyber experts to develop practical skills in protecting digital systems.
1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
June 8 – 12, 2026
IGNITE (Rising Grades 10 – 12)
Cybersecurity Level I
Delve into the realm of electronic warfare! Join us for an exhilarating week of hands-on learning, where participants will delve into the essentials of Cybersecurity, Military Information Systems, and participate in real-world simulations.
Level I: Activities during this introductory week will cover cybersecurity fundamentals and provide students with a hands-on exploration of machine learning, including algorithms and models, through interactive exercises and real-world datasets.
June 15 – 18, 2026
IGNITE (Rising Grades 10 – 12)
Cybersecurity Level II
Delve into the realm of electronic warfare! Join us for an exhilarating week of hands-on learning, where participants will delve into the essentials of Cybersecurity, Military Information Systems, and participate in real-world simulations. Students will learn to master cutting-edge tools and collaborate with STEM experts to improve their skills.
Level II: The highlight of this week is a culminating virtual cyber range program, an intense, hands-on experience that will test their newly acquired skills and strategies in defending against sophisticated cyber threats.
University of Texas
10500 Exploration Way, Austin, TX 78758
June 8 – 12, 2026
IGNITE (Rising Grades 7 – 8)
AutoAuto & Machine Learning
Students will explore machine learning fundamentals and semi-autonomy through hands on experimentation involving the general-purpose programming language Python to manipulate robotic vehicles through physical and virtual world challenges.
June 15 – 19, 2026
IGNITE (Rising Grades 9 – 10)
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Students will immerse themselves in the world of unmanned aerial systems. Participants will explore the evolution of this new technology, a complete breakdown of all small UAS components, before working in teams to assemble a drone from scratch! We will end the week with two flight challenges, while also seeing demonstrations from subject matter experts.
July 13 – 16, 2026
ARL IGNITE Virtual Video Game Design Session
(Rising Grades 7 – 9; Active Duty Military Dependents only)
Is the gamer in your life curious about coding? Are they inquisitive and creative? Do they want to learn more about circuitry, engineering, and computer programming? Would they be interested in creating their own customized video game? Join the scientists of the Army Research Laboratory as they dive into computer science and share their love for STEM with students during this Video Game Design Virtual STEM Session!