Over-the-summer extracurriculars?

Yo, I'm looking for something productive to do over the summer, preferably related to my interests in STEM. Does anyone have any recommendations for great extracurricular activities or programs I can participate in? Thanks in advance!

There are several summer programs and extracurricular activities focused on STEM you can consider participating in. Here are a few options with varying degrees of selectivity and cost:

1. Research internships: You can look for research opportunities at nearby universities, companies, or national laboratories. Reach out to professors or researchers in your area of interest and express your passion for STEM. They might have projects you can get involved in or might know someone who does.

2. Science competitions: You can get involved in various STEM competitions, such as the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) or the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO). Working on a meaningful project or honing your skills in a specific subject can be a great way to spend the summer and potentially earn awards.

3. Summer programs: There are several competitive and prestigious summer programs focused on STEM, such as the Research Science Institute (RSI) and the Summer Science Program (SSP). These programs typically have scholarships or are low-cost, and they provide students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of a specific STEM field.

4. Coding: Spend the summer learning a new programming language, contributing to open-source projects, or creating your own programs or apps. There are numerous online resources like Codecademy and freeCodeCamp to help you learn and improve your programming skills at your own pace.

5. Local/community STEM opportunities: Check your community for volunteer opportunities related to STEM, such as volunteering at a local science museum or helping run STEM workshops for younger students at schools or libraries. This allows you to give back to your community while developing leadership and communication skills.

6. Online courses: Take advantage of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which cover various STEM topics and are often free. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare offer courses from top universities, allowing you to learn at your own pace and deepen your understanding of various subjects.

Remember, it's essential to pick an activity or program that genuinely interests you and aligns with your long-term goals. Focusing on what you're passionate about will make the experience more enjoyable and help you build a strong foundation for future STEM pursuits. Good luck!