AIM High: Next Level Coding, Sheridan School District

• Commuter Program in East End

• July 6-10, 2026

• Grade levels during 2026-2027 school year: 7^th, 8^th, 9^th

• Subject Areas: Coding and Robotics

• Application deadline: May 15, 2026

   

The AIM High course is a commuter course for rising 7^th through 9^th-grade students interested in a hands-on, interactive robotic experience. Utilizing the AIM platform from the world-renowned VEX competitive robotics organization, students will delve into the world of coding, programming, and AI robotic technology. This innovative new platform allows students of all experience levels to engage meaningfully with the programming process, while various skills challenges and competitions push students to utilize decision-making logic and problem-solving techniques in real time. Designed to encourage students to continuously develop more complex solutions, this course focuses on technological advancement, student collaboration, and creative freedom, all within the parameters of a versatile, innovative robotics system designed to maximize the fun in learning.

AI Robotics and Ethics, University of Central Arkansas (UCA)

• Residential Program in Conway

• June 1-6, 2026

• Grade levels during 2026-2027 school year: 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

• Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Philosophy and Ethics

• Application deadline: April 15, 2026

   

The AI Robotics & Ethics camp at the University of Central Arkansas is a one-week commuter program that provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics with an emphasis on the moral and ethical dimension of this technology. During the week, student teams will learn programming and hardware skills to build and test machine learning algorithms to train and autonomously test-drive a robot car. The week culminates in a competition where the teams showcase what they have learned. Additionally, students will engage with artificial intelligence and robotics topics in popular culture through movies and short stories to understand the moral and ethical dimensions of this rapidly developing technology.

• Commuter Program in Tillar

• July 20-24, 27-31, 2026

• Grade levels during 2026-2027 school year: 7^th, 8^th

• Subject Areas: Science, Mathematics and Social Studies

• Application deadline: May 31, 2026

   

Architecture and Design Summer Camp is a five-day/ two-week commuter program for rising 7th and 8th grade students held at the University of Arkansas Monticello’s historic property, Taylor House and Hollywood/Valley Plantation in the Arkansas Delta city of Tillar.  This unique summer camp would convene July 20-24 and July 27-31, 9 am to 4 pm daily, in partnership with Alex Foundation, American Institute of Architects (AIA), Arkansas Chapter, and University of Arkansas Monticello (UAM) Archeology Research Station.

Each day of summer camp, students would learn different skills and strategies led by licensed and accredited professionals in architecture, archeology, drone aviation, engineering, design, and fabrication.  Students will learn about architecture, including what architects do, architecture as the art and science of the built environment, how an architectural drawing becomes a building/structure, the different parts that make up a building, and how architecture is an important part of history and culture. Students will learn interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary connections that link technical and creative skills with architecture. Students will be guided through understanding the application of basic concepts of necessity, proportion, scale, physics, and aesthetics in the design process. Students will explore, innovate, and create projects using provided supplies and materials. They will learn flight, aerodynamics, airspace awareness, safe drone operations, and how drones are used in architecture. They will experience engineering during a field trip to learn about civil, mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering and gain skills in design thinking. Students will learn archeology and how to effectively examine, interpret, and analyze physical and cultural patterns and their interactions, such as land and building uses. They will construct interior and exterior designs to complement a space.

Arkansas and the World: International Affairs, University of Central Arkansas (UCA)

• Residential Program in Conway

• July 12-17, 2026

• Grade levels during 2026-2027 school year: 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

• Subject Areas: Social Studies

• Application deadline: May 15, 2026 (Application Instructions)

This program brings together 50 high school students from across Arkansas for a week-long International Affairs Summer Camp at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.  Students will be involved in educational workshops and experiential learning activities designed to deepen their knowledge and understanding of international affairs, diplomacy, and international organizations in the 21st century. Participants will engage in educational workshops on international relations, the United Nations, and the fundamentals of Model United Nations. Students will represent countries in interactive simulations of the United Nations General Assembly, including committee and plenary sessions, where they will discuss contemporary international issues and draft resolutions directly related to the goals of their assigned committee. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of evening group activities, including a Global Trivia Competition and a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Poster Competition.

• Residential Program in Hot Springs

• June 14-18, 2026

• Grade levels during 2026-2027 school year: 8^th, 9^th, 10^th

• Subject Areas: World Languages

• Application deadline: April 30, 2026

   

This unique summer camp for Arkansas’ rising 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th-grade students explores the rich connections between global languages and Arkansas’ own cultural and economic landscape. Through a focus on Spanish, French, Japanese, and German, you will discover how each language leaves its mark on the state’s history, community, and industry. You will delve into these languages by learning foundational vocabulary and engaging in hands-on cultural experiences. Along the way, you’ll uncover the impact of global learning on your educational journey. Arkansas Goes Global empowers you to see the world and your state through a global lens, equipping you with the ability to appreciate and contribute to Arkansas’ evolving cultural mosaic.

• Commuter Program in Conway

• June 8-12, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 7^th, 8^th, 9^th

• Subject Areas: Mathematics (Geometry), Art and Design

• Application deadline: May 1, 2026 

   

This one-week STEAM workshop introduces students to spatial reasoning, geometry, and design through two complementary making systems: paper folding and SPACE CHIPS DIE-CUT© geometric construction. Students explore how flat materials become three-dimensional structures, investigating symmetry, polyhedra, and structural behavior through hands-on experimentation.

Across the week, participants work in two groups that rotate between workshops, receiving instruction in folding techniques and geometric construction before using both systems to create large-scale collaborative installations. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning at the intersection of mathematics, engineering, art, and design while developing problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking skills.

• Commuter Program in Pine Bluff

• June 8-11, 15-18, 2026

• Grade levels during 2026-2027 school year: 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th

• Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics (STEAM)

• Application deadline: May 1, 2026

   

Breakout Bonanza is a two-week free summer day program in June 2026 developed for students entering the 5th through the 8th grade in the 2026-2027 school year who are interested in science, mathematics, engineering, art, and innovation. Participants will work in groups to create ingenious puzzles in an escape room format using the theme of their choice. Participants will engage with the Engineering Cycle to cooperatively design, test, and refine their puzzles throughout the two weeks of camp. If you enjoy creating puzzles and participating in escape rooms, this is the summer camp for you! The Breakout Bonanza camp will be held at the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

• Commuter Program in Russellville

• June 8-12, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 11^th, 12^th

• Subject Areas: Agriculture, Tourism, and Business Entrepreneurship

• Application deadline: May 29, 2026

   

The CAKE (Creativity, Agriculture & Knowledge of Enterprise) Camp is a one-week, advanced learning experience designed to challenge gifted, talented and motivated students through accelerated, interdisciplinary study. Rooted in Arkansas’s leading economic sectors, Agriculture and Tourism, the camp provides rigorous, hands-on educational opportunities that extend beyond the regular school curriculum and promote higher-level cognitive engagement. Participants explore the state’s food and tourism systems through agricultural science labs, Agri- tourism investigations, enterprise development activities, and creative problem-solving tasks. These modules are intentionally designed to strengthen analytical reasoning, innovation, collaboration, and real-world application.

• Residential Program in Hot Springs

• June 14-18, 2026

• Grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year: 8^th, 9^th, 10^th

• Subject Areas: Arts and Music

• Application deadline: April 30, 2026

   

Expand your musical experience at Summer@ASMSA’s Chamber Music Camp, where student musicians will explore the joys of ensemble performance and receive personalized instruction from experienced educators. During this camp, you will engage in masterclasses covering a wide range of musical topics, as well as attend lectures in foundational music theory and history, small ensemble, and large ensemble practices. Classes are designed to enhance your skills and inspire your creativity, so come hone your craft in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and a love for music!

• Commuter Program in Helena-West Helena

• June 15-18, 22-25, 2026

• Grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th

• Subject Areas: STEM, Literature & Communication and Leadership & Civic Innovation

• Application deadline: April 30, 2026

   

Cougar Launch Academy is a developmentally appropriate, interdisciplinary summer enrichment program for rising 1^st–6^th-grade students. Through a structured five-station rotation model, students engage in literacy, arts, STEM, computer science, and civic learning experiences designed to build curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Students work in teams to identify real-world school-based problems and design age-appropriate solutions, culminating in a final presentation.

• Commuter Program in Helena-West Helena

• June 15-18, 22-25, 2026

• Grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year: 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

• Subject Areas: STEM, Literature & Communication and Leadership & Civic Innovation

• Application deadline: April 30, 2026

   

Cougar Next Level Scholars Institute is an advanced academic enrichment program for rising 7^th-12^th grade students designed to immerse learners in interdisciplinary, concept-based exploration. Students will engage in project-based learning experiences focused on research, innovation, leadership, and real-world problem solving. Through seminars, innovation labs, and a culminating capstone project, students will develop original products that demonstrate advanced thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

• Commuter Program in Springdale

• June 1-5, 8-12, 2026

• Grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th

• Subject Areas: Environmental Science, Art and Design

• Application deadline: May 21, 2026

   

The Eco Explorers Summer STEAM Academy invites students to investigate the wonders of the natural world through hands-on learning in ecology, environmental science, and creative problem-solving. Through engaging outdoor explorations, collaborative experiments, and STEAM-based design challenges, students will deepen their understanding of local ecosystems while developing critical thinking, innovation, and environmental stewardship. This immersive program empowers learners to explore, question, and discover as they connect scientific concepts to real-world environmental issues.

• Residential Program in Hot Springs 

• June 14-18, 2026

• Grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year: 9^th, 10^th

• Subject Areas: Science (Environmental & Biotechnology)

• Application deadline: April 30, 2026

   

Conduct fieldwork, find a crystal, and learn how to evaluate the health of Ouachita Division ecosystems with the Environmental Science and Biotechnology camp, hosted by the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. Throughout the week, you will participate in a variety of field research – including garden surveys, creek surveys, and a quartz digging experience. Take advantage of the air conditioning in the afternoon as you bring your fieldwork indoors, learning advanced lab techniques that connect molecular biology and ecology. Whether you have a passion for ecology, geology, environmental science, or even just biology in general, this camp is a great way to get hands-on with the Ouachita Mountains region! 

• Commuter Program in Huntsville

• June 8-12, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th

• Subject areas: Science, Mathematics, Engineering Design, Computer Science, Innovation and Creative Problem Solving

• Application deadline: May 15, 2026

   

The Huntsville AEGIS Spark Innovation Academy is a five-day, innovation-focused STEM experience for students entering grades 3–6 in the 2026–2027 school year. This fully funded summer academy provides hands-on, invention-based learning designed to challenge curious, high-potential learners through advanced engineering design, creative problem-solving, and collaborative innovation.

Students will engage in immersive STEM modules where they design, prototype, test, and refine original inventions while applying scientific reasoning, mathematical thinking, and computational skills. Through structured teamwork and guided reflection, participants will build confidence, persistence, adaptability, and an “I Can Invent” mindset.

The academy culminates in an Innovation Showcase where students present their prototypes and explain their design process to families and community members. By removing all financial barriers, the Huntsville AEGIS Spark Innovation Academy expands access to rigorous, interdisciplinary enrichment not typically available during the regular school year.

Funded through the Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented in Summer (AEGIS) Grant from the Arkansas Department of Education, this program is designed to spark creativity, deepen critical thinking, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

• Commuter Program in Little Rock

• July 29- August 3, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 7^th, 8^th, 9^th

• Subject Areas: Arts and Music, Literature and Communications

• Application deadline: May 10, 2026

   

In the tradition of “West Side Story,” “& Juliet,” and “Gnomeo and Juliet,” students will use Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to create modernized scenes with original song lyrics.  There is always room for original interpretation, and students will explore how to go about it. The process will involve learning how to manipulate Shakespearean language through the use of Shakespearean insults, how to set up theatrical scenes to add a song, and basic stage combat with safety protocols, culminating in a showcase of student-created scenes and songs. Along the way, students will learn about the concepts of Adaptation and Interpretation, have a great time with team-building activities, make connections with new friends, and develop their talents. This week will focus on performance and creative expression through both acting and music, and will take place on the UA Little Rock campus from June 29-July 3, 2026.

• Residential Program in Hot Springs 

• June 14-18, 2026

• Grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year: 8^th, 9^th, 10^th

• Subject Areas: Science (Physics and Mathematics)

• Application deadline: April 30, 2026

   

Experience the thrill of physics (and math) in action through Summer@ASMSA’s Physics in Motion: Theme Park Thrills, where mathematics and physics come alive through real-world applications and hands-on exploration. In this camp, you’ll investigate how concepts from geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability, and physics explain the motion, forces, and design behind amusement park rides. Throughout the week, you’ll apply mathematics and physics concepts to complex systems and develop a deeper conceptual understanding of the connection between abstract mathematical ideas and observable physical phenomena. The camp concludes with a field experience at a local theme park, where you’ll put your measurement and analysis skills to the test!

• Commuter Program in Fort Smith

• July 13-17, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

• Subject Areas: Vocal and Instrumental Music in pop styles, including rock and jazz

• Application deadline: July 10, 2026

   

A one-week day camp that focuses on jazz, pop, and rock styles in vocal and instrumental music. Small and large group ensembles, private lessons, studio recording, and special break-out sessions in songwriting will all be part of this camp week, with a concluding concert for all instrumental and vocal ensembles at the end of the week.  Real-world artists will lead the camp and offer workshops in music technology, how to succeed in music, and marketing yourself in the music scene.  Students will have the opportunity to compose and record their own music in a state-of-the- art recording studio that is housed in the new Center for the Creative Arts facility, where camp will be held. Camp will explore important trends in the music industry and how young people can be ready!

• Residential Program in Huntsville

• June 14-18, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

• Subject areas: Science

• Application deadline: May 15, 2026

   

Project Water and Wilderness: Plugged into Nature will be held from July 18-August 1, 2026 at Ozark Natural Science Center, an outdoor science education facility located deep in the Ozark Mountains. Students at Water & Wilderness unplug from electronic distractions and plug into the world of field biology, where evolving technology and field science merge. Students accompany field scientists as they gather data and explore a variety of habitats in the Ozark Natural Division, including oak-hickory forests, glades, and beautiful Ozark streams and rivers.  Field research is conducted in Bear Hollow Natural Area, owned and managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and in the surrounding 14,000-acre McIlroy-Madison County Wildlife Management Area, owned and managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. 

Students track reptiles using radio-telemetry, monitor bats acoustically, search for fish and benthic macroinvertebrate aquatic life in the pools and riffles of the War Eagle Creek and Kings River, examine the night sky, learn directly from university students and professional scientists about their research projects, and more. Field studies are complemented by an exposure to conservation literature, participation in Socratic Circle discussions of the writings of naturalists, and reflective journaling. Evening discussions on the ONSC deck allow students to share their thoughts and experiences with their peers. A capstone glade field study, canoe trips on local Ozark rivers, and an overnight camping trip are the highlights of this 2-week experience in nature.

• Commuter Program in Melbourne

• June 8-12, 15-19, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

• Subject areas: STEM, Arts and Music, Literature and Communication, Social Studies, and World Languages

• Application deadline: May 15, 2026

• Application links: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-9, Grades 10-12

STEAM & Beyond: Summer Exploration will be a 10-day summer enrichment program that provides gifted and talented students with an accelerated, hands-on learning experience designed to challenge and inspire. Students will engage in innovative, interdisciplinary projects across STEM, Arts and Music, Literature and Communication, and Social Studies and World Languages. Through exploration, problem-solving, and creation of original work, students will develop new skills, deepen their understanding of complex concepts, and experience learning in ways not offered in traditional classrooms.

• Residential Program in Hot Springs 

• June 14-18, 2026

• Grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year: 8^th, 9^th, 10^th

• Subject Areas: Literature and Communications

• Application deadline: April 30, 2026

Discover the power of storytelling through Summer@ASMSA’s StoryLab: The Writing Process Across Genres. In this camp, you will explore how writers develop ideas, shape language, and bring stories to life across multiple forms. You’ll dive into poetry, short fiction, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction through close reading, discussion, and hands-on writing experiences. Through journaling, collaborative activities, guided instruction, and peer readings throughout the week, you’ll gain insight into the writing process and develop your unique voice as a writer. How will you tell your story?

• Residential Program in Fayetteville

• June 13-20, 2026

• Grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year: 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

• Subject Areas: Theatre

• Application deadline: May 1, 2026

   

SummerStage is an eight-day, full-immersion residential program for rising 10th through 12th graders. The program is facilitated by TheatreSquared, an award-winning regional theatre company, and held in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The program is designed to offer students a unique exposure to nontraditional methodologies of creating theatrical performance, placing them in the dual role of writer and performer. Students will work with professional playwrights, poets, directors, musicians, and actors to explore the process of creating a unique theatrical performance, working collaboratively as an ensemble to devise an original script that will be rehearsed for an end-of-session showcase. ARSUMMERSTAGE.ORG

• Commuter Program in East End

• June 15-26, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 8^th, 9^th, 10^th

• Subject Areas: Art, History, Sociology

• Application deadline: April 15, 2026

   

This commuter course for rising 8^th-10^th graders delves deep into the history of human development through the examination of art. From the earliest forms of parietal art to the designation of artists as individuals during the Renaissance, from the discovery of the concept of perspective to the experimental arts of counter-culture movements of the modern day, students will engage with the often reactionary flow of art history and how it relates to major events in human civilization. Designed to enhance student understanding of world cultures and historical achievements, students will apply their learning through artistic creation of various artistic products. With lessons focusing on specific techniques, media, and composition, students will bring to life a functional timeline of art history.

• Commuter Program in Fort Smith

• July 20-24, 2026

• Grade levels in the 2026-2027 school year: 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th

• Subject Areas: Fundamentals of Photography and Film, Building Technical Skills

• Application deadline: July 17, 2026

   

A one-week summer photography program that offers students hands-on experience learning the fundamentals of photography and film, including exposure, composition, and lighting. Students will work to practice portrait and creative photography and landscape filming, building both technical skills and collaboration. Through guided instruction and real-world shooting activities, participants will develop visual storytelling skills and creative confidence. By the end of the program, students will produce a portfolio of original work showcasing their growth and artistic voice.

• Commuter Program in Warren

• June 22-26, 2026

• Grade levels for 2026-2027 school year: 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th

• Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

• Application deadline: May 1, 2026

   

Warren’s Camp Invention is a rigorous summer academic enrichment program designed to extend and deepen learning for students with characteristics of giftedness and a strong desire to enter a field in STEM through high-quality, hands-on invention education. Using the National Inventors Hall of Fame Camp Invention^® 2026 curriculum, campers collaborate with real-world inventors and peers to unlock their “invention superpowers” as they solve authentic challenges affecting their community and the world.

Through interdisciplinary, inquiry-based experiences, students miniaturize top-secret innovations, safeguard their designs using cryptography, and protect their intellectual property from “Infringers” who attempt to duplicate inventions. In a race against time, campers even “time-travel” to ensure their ideas are patented and protected, fostering persistence, creative risk-taking, and reflective problem solving.

The program emphasizes the I Can Invent^® Mindset, empowering students to take ownership of their learning as they explore how technology enables innovation, design, and test original prototypes, and engage in meaningful problem-solving that goes beyond grade-level standards. Integrated STEM and social-emotional learning experiences build collaboration skills, confidence, and resilience while encouraging flexible thinking and student-driven exploration.

Warren’s Camp Invention expands access to high-quality gifted enrichment by providing innovative, engaging, and equitable learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, and bring big ideas to life.