INDIANAPOLIS — Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis will host two FREE, hands-on summer camps in 2026 designed to introduce students to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through interactive experiments, lab experiences, and collaborative projects, students will gain practical exposure to the skills and technologies shaping some of Indiana’s fastest-growing industries.
The 2026 STEM Summer Youth Camp will take place July 13-16, followed by a Biotechnology Summer Camp July 27–31. Both camps will be held on the Ivy Tech Indianapolis campus and are designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in students interested in STEM fields.
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Explore STEM Through Hands-On Discovery
The STEM Summer Youth Camp will introduce students ages 13–16 to a wide range of scientific disciplines through engaging activities and experiments. Participants will design and prototype products using 3-D printing, build and program robots, construct electrical circuits, extract DNA from plants, and explore chemistry and physics through hands-on projects.
Students will also learn how to measure vital health indicators such as blood pressure and pulse while working alongside peers to solve STEM challenges.
As part of the experience, campers will spend part of a day visiting The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest children’s museum in the world, where they can explore science, history, sports, and culture through immersive exhibits.
The camp runs July 13-16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will host up to 20 students.
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Biotechnology Camp Introduces Students to Life-Saving Science
The Biotechnology Summer Camp offers students entering grades 9–12 an opportunity to explore how medicines are developed and manufactured in modern laboratories.
Throughout the weeklong program, participants will work in real lab environments and learn how biotechnology contributes to the development of life-saving pharmaceuticals. Campers will also gain exposure to equipment and processes used in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry while exploring potential careers in biotechnology and related STEM fields.
The camp will be led by instructor David Vo and is designed for students with curiosity about science and innovation—no prior lab experience required.
The biotechnology camp will take place July 27–31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be limited to 12 students to ensure a hands-on learning environment.
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Industry and Community Support
The camps are supported by industry and community partners who are helping introduce students to high-demand STEM career pathways. Sponsors include Heartland BioWorks for the biotechnology camp and Cummins via the Indiana Foundation and Lilly Endowment for the STEM camp.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Both camps emphasize learning by doing, allowing students to explore how scientific discovery connects to real-world impact—from robotics and engineering to biotechnology and healthcare.
All lab supplies will be provided, and no previous STEM experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Students interested in attending can learn more and register by visiting Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ website.
Apply online: This page lists both camps with links to more information and the registration forms.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
