Exploring Engineering and STEM: A Guide to UCF's Camp Connect and Beyond

For students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), summer camps offer a unique opportunity to explore these fields in a hands-on and engaging environment. The University of Central Florida (UCF) provides a range of summer programs, including the Camp Connect series, designed to introduce students to various engineering disciplines and prepare them for future studies. But UCF isn't the only option; several other Florida universities and institutions offer compelling STEM-focused summer experiences. This article delves into the details of UCF's Camp Connect, related programs, and other summer STEM opportunities available in Florida.

UCF's Camp Connect: An Introduction to Engineering

Camp Connect at UCF is a week-long day camp created to give students from under-represented communities a glimpse into the world of engineering. These communities include women, Hispanic, African American, Latino, and American Indian/Alaskan Native students. The camp introduces participants to a variety of engineering fields, including electrical, industrial, mechanical, civil, environmental, aerospace, and computer science.

Camp Connect I: Discovering Engineering Disciplines

Camp Connect I serves as an introductory experience, exposing rising 8th through 11th graders to the broad spectrum of engineering disciplines. Through a combination of activities, informative presentations, and lab tours, students gain insights into each field. Each day of the camp focuses on a different engineering department, with activities led by UCF faculty and students. The goal is to broaden participation in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Camp Connect II: Hands-on Engineering Experience

Graduates of Camp Connect I may receive special invitations to attend Camp Connect II, a more in-depth program that builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the first camp. Camp Connect II offers a deeper, hands-on experience within the various engineering fields. Students engage in hands-on activities, group projects, and presentations led by faculty and student organizations.

Camp Connect Advanced: An In-Depth STEM Experience

Camp Connect Advanced is designed for rising 10th through 12th graders and provides an in-depth, team-oriented STEM experience. Participants must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Practical Information for Camp Connect Programs

Sign-In/Out Form: To ensure student safety and accountability, a Sign-In/Out Form is required for all Camp Connect programs. This form allows students to sign themselves in each morning and out each afternoon without a parent or guardian present. Students who are carpooling or driving themselves must have this form on file before attending camp. Students may not sign themselves out before the end of the camp day unless prior arrangements have been made with the camp coordinator.
Lunch Form (Camp Connect Advanced ONLY): Students 15 years and older participating in Camp Connect Advanced can complete a Lunch Form to be released from camp supervision during lunch. This allows students to have some freedom in their lunch choices at the different lab locations, both on and off campus. However, students must go in groups with other camp participants or lab groups and are not allowed to leave campus for lunch.
Application and Fees: A non-refundable deposit is required to hold each student's seat once accepted into the program ($75 for Camp Connect I and II, and $100 for Camp Connect Advanced). Scholarships are available to students who demonstrate financial need as defined by the university.

Important Dates (based on provided information)

Camp Connect II and III Invitations: Invitations are sent April 11.
Camp Connect I Online Application Opens: March 2, 2026.
Camp Connect Advanced Online Application Opens: March 16, 2026.

Other Summer Programs at UCF

Beyond Camp Connect, UCF offers other specialized summer programs for students interested in STEM fields:

AI Summer Camp: This camp provides rising 8th graders with a crash course on Generative AI, Computer Vision, Robotics, Medical AI, and more. The hands-on program aims to provide a foundation in AI technologies, helping students become informed and responsible users.
GLAMPing: Designed for rising 6th and 7th grade students, GLAMPing offers hands-on experiences in an engineering makerspace, combined with leadership lessons to develop STEM leaders.
Laser & Photonics Camp: This camp is for rising 10th-12th graders interested in physics and engineering. It offers hands-on experience exploring the field of photonics, which enables technologies like lasers, autonomous vehicles, video game displays, medical imaging, fiber optics, and the Internet.
Summer Institutes: These are intensive programs for students interested in AI, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, and/or Mathematics. The programs offer a mix of hands-on, individualized instruction with outstanding instructors.
The Health Leaders Summer Academy (HLSA): Sponsored by the UCF College of Medicine, HLSA is an immersive educational experience for high school students (10th-12th) with a strong passion for pursuing a career in allied health sciences or medicine. The program supports students, particularly those from low-income and first-generation college families, in planning their future educational goals and connecting with healthcare professionals.

Summer Institute: Cryptography

The Summer Institute: Cryptography is a three-week program for gifted and high-achieving students interested in computer science and computer technology. The program combines hands-on instruction with recreational activities, allowing students to enjoy UCF’s facilities and the Orlando area.

To apply, students must be in grades 8-11 (minimum age 13) and demonstrate an interest in Computer Science and Mathematics. Applicants are selected based on their high school transcript, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores (PSAT, SAT, or ACT). Successful applicants typically maintain a 3.0 average or above and show strong performance in mathematics courses. Prior knowledge of Computer Science is not required.

STEM Summer Camps at Other Florida Universities

Besides UCF, several other universities in Florida offer engaging STEM summer camps:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle offers a variety of summer camps focused on engineering, including computer engineering, cybersecurity engineering, physics and astronomy, and GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science). They also offer Mission to Mars engineering day camps for both high school and middle school students. The Challenger Learning Center at Embry-Riddle runs one-day and week-long summer camps for students entering first through eighth grades, featuring a mix of science and technology activities.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU): FAU’s College of Engineering & Computer Science hosts a Summer Engineering Technology Program for students entering seventh through ninth grades. The SET program offers courses covering the fundamentals of engineering, introduction to civil engineering, and exploring electrical engineering.
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU): The FGCU/Sigma Pi Phi Epsilon Nu Boulé STEM Academy is a 12-day program in June that aims to expose students to opportunities in STEM careers and improve their math scores.
Florida Institute of Technology (FIT): FIT’s Engineering Camp offers two week-long sessions in July, providing high-school students with an interactive experience of life as an engineering major.
University of Florida (UF): UF’s Blueprint Summer Programs offer a variety of courses, including “Careers in Engineering,” where students can learn about various engineering opportunities.
University of South Florida (USF): USF’s Pre-College Summer Programs allow high-school students to explore topics such as biomedical engineering, “future physicians, scientists, and engineers,” “medical, engineering, and scientist research,” and STEM for scholars.
University of West Florida (UWF): UWF offers STEM-related camps for students from kindergarten through ninth grade, with topics including "mad scientist" experiments, LEGO robotics, and "Superhero STEAM" (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

Preparing for Camp Connect and Other STEM Programs

To make the most of these STEM summer programs, students should consider the following:

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Express Interest: A genuine interest in STEM fields is essential. Students should explore their curiosity by reading books, watching documentaries, and engaging in related activities.
Strengthen Math Skills: A strong foundation in mathematics is crucial for success in many STEM fields. Students should focus on developing their math skills through coursework, practice problems, and online resources.
Seek Recommendations: Many programs require recommendations from teachers or counselors. Students should build positive relationships with their teachers and seek their guidance when applying to these programs.
Prepare Application Materials: Students should carefully review the application requirements for each program and prepare all necessary materials, including transcripts, test scores, and essays.
Complete Required Forms: Ensure all required forms, such as the Sign-In/Out Form and Lunch Form (if applicable), are completed and submitted on time.

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