Summer Programs

Discover. Explore. Collaborate.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) offers immersive pre-college summer programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for middle and high school students. Our programs are designed to help rising 6th–12th graders discover, explore, and collaborate through hands-on projects, real-world problem solving, and expert faculty mentorship. Whether you’re interested in introductory STEM exploration or advanced, research-level experience, WPI’s pre-college summer offerings provide a transformative academic and social experience in a safe, engaging residential and commuter environment

During the summer, WPI’s pre-collegiate outreach programs team offers three distinct, in-person programs: Ignite, Launch, and Frontiers.

Two middle-school-aged girls showing excitement as they participate in a hands-on activity at WPI.

Grades 6–8

Ignite

STEM Foundations for Middle Schoolers

Ignite is for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who want to build STEM confidence and skills through hands-on science and technology challenges. Ignite is a collection of week-long courses run during the day. Students work with peers and expert instructors on engaging activities that introduce in-demand STEM fields like engineering, coding, robotics, and scientific inquiry.

Learn More About Ignite

Grades 9–11

Launch

Applied STEM for Teens

Launch is designed for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders ready to apply technology and research tools to real-world challenges. Launch students can step into the shoes of a video game designer, computer programmer, crime scene investigator, robotics engineer, and more!

Learn More About Launch

Grades 10–12

Frontiers

Residential, College-Like Experience

Frontiers is a residential/overnight program for rising 10th–12th graders that mirrors the collegiate STEM experience. Students on campus get an immersive preview of college life at WPI. They explore a STEM major and humanities or business minor. The Frontiers program encourages students to connect with peers from around the globe, while building independence, and leadership skills.

Learn More About Frontiers

I loved Frontiers. As a normally quiet person, I managed to make friends with the same interests as me; it was really freeing! Nothing more validating than being with your people. Frontiers is certainly not something I’ll forget.

Kiera M.
Former Frontiers Participant

This was a great way to kick off summer! You get to meet new people, enjoy a beautiful campus and explore robotics. The lunch isn’t half bad either!!

Chris M.
Former Launch Participant

This program was a perfect way to dip my feet into a new refreshing world.

Luke O.
Former Frontiers Participant

My daughter loved the diverse group of participants, the routine of "college life", and the professional presentations her professor brought into her Biomedical Engineering class. She learned so much and can’t wait to learn more!

Aimee S.
Parent of a Former Frontiers Participant

Summer 2026

On-Demand Info Sessions

Want to get a sense of the programs offered by WPI's Office of Pre-Collegiate Outreach Programs? Check out our summer 2026 on-demand information sessions to learn more about Ignite, Launch, and Frontiers.

Frontiers On-Demand Information Session

Launch On-Demand Information Session

Ignite On-Demand Information Session

Pre-College Summer Programs in STEM & Innovation