Igniting an interest in STEM for students in grades 6th, 7th & 8th
STEPS Camp
Science, Technology, and Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) Camp
Science, Technology, and Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) is an introduction to the exciting world of science, technology and engineering. We hope to expose learners to potential careers, college life and ignite an interest in STEM.
This one-day camp is designed to inspire girls in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to explore engineering, though all students in these grades are welcome to participate. Lunch and a morning snack will be provided to participants free of charge. The program is hosted and held at the University of St. Thomas, School of Engineering in St. Paul, MN.
Participants engineer, make, connect with mentors, explore the engineering labs, and enjoy life on campus. Students will have the opportunity to make new friends and learn from college students and teachers about engineering.
*Registration for the 2026 STEPS Camp is now open.*
Please join our mailing list to stay up to date on STEPS 2026. If you have questions, please contact us at CEE@stthomas.edu.
Contact
Center for Engineering Education
Sparking an Interest in STEM
The STEPS one-day camps for 6th - 8th grade students help spark an interest in STEM. Hear from teachers, staff and STEPS participants in this WCCO, CBS Minnesota News interview filmed in June 2023.
Benefits for Students Who Join the STEPS Camp
- Gain knowledge about what engineers do.
- Learn from instructors with extensive backgrounds in STEAM education.
- Participate in hands-on workshops with high-tech equipment and processes.
- Make new friends and gain college-life experience and recreation at St. Thomas.
Who, When, Where and How Much?
Logistics
- Students who are entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade for 2026-2027 school year are eligible to participate in a STEPS Camp.
- There is a $15 non-refundable registration fee.
- STEPS Camp is a no-cost day camp for all participants and includes all supplies, a free lunch and morning snack.
- STEPS one-day camps at St. Thomas are scheduled for the last week in June 2026.
- Camp begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 3:30 PM
The 2026 dates for the STEPS Program:
- Monday, June 22, 2026 (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
- Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
- Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
- Thursday, June 25, 2026 (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
- Friday, June 26, 2026 (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)