For Thursday 02/06/25, the campus will be closed until 12 noon today due to the severe weather. All classes scheduled after 12 noon will take place as scheduled. Students should check Canvas for details on classes.
Home » Marburger STEM Center » High School Summer Programs
Connect with a dedicated community of innovators in engineering, technology, design, and science, all united by a passion for discovery and innovation.
With expert instructors by your side, you will delve into groundbreaking advancements and tackle hands-on challenges that will inspire your next big idea.
Our state-of-the-art labs and studios are where your potential comes to life — equipped with the tools and technology to turn curiosity into innovation. This is not just a summer program; it is a chance to explore, innovate, and shape the future.
For rising Sophomores (10th), Juniors (11th), and Seniors (12th) between ages 14-18.
Participants must meet both grade and age requirements
Commuter students travel to and from LTU each day of their registered program. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily check-in and check-out is required. Lunch is provided each day in our LTU dining hall.
Residential students live in our LTU housing during the duration of their registered program, eat their meals in our LTU dining hall, and participate in fun activities each evening.
Save $100 by attending two, and $200 by attending three programs.
Register before March 1, 2025 and save $100 per program.
Visit campus and save another $50 per program.
If a program is listed below but is not listed on the registration form, it means that program is currently sold out.
There are no waitlists. Please check back often. The registration form will reflect any added or opened seats in real time.
Max number of students: 12
You will apply a coding design to your own design idea and form a multi-dimensional, touchable object. In this summer journey, you will explore the fundamentals of coding and use a 3D printer to experience the process of manufacturing your project from Nylon Carbon Fiber in the LTU summer factory. Your achieved product, the 3D shape, will be your souvenir and award to show off after the program!
Max number of students: 20
Discover architectural and interior design processes using various visual communication methods. This session will teach you techniques for designing architectural spaces while working on a small-scale project. You will have the opportunity for personalized guidance from the instructor and engage in group critiques.
Max number of students: 20
Unlock the world of robotics by designing, building, and programming robots using the VEX IQ platform. Take on exciting challenges like creating self-driving robots that autonomously navigate complex courses or designing robots to compete in action-packed robot battles! Through hands-on experience, you’ll learn to code in Python, gaining essential skills in robotics, engineering, and problem-solving. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this is your chance to dive into the future of technology and innovation!
Max number of students: 20
Take on the role of a scientist as you discover the Cosmos with hands-on astronomy and optics activities. In this exciting summer program we will investigate finding exoplanets by analyzing the change in the light spectrum from the star! Experiment with simple lab telescopes to reveal how they work and use astronomical telescopes for outside observations of sunspots (weather permitted). We will bend light as stars and blackholes do and investigate Einstein’s General Relativity!
Max number of students: 20
Learn the tools and techniques to create a functional prototype of your own mobile app. In a hands-on studio environment, you will ideate, experiment and test your design, while learning about user experience (UX), user interface (UI), and design-thinking strategies. Walk away with a portfolio-ready project. No prior experience necessary.
You might not think about it very often, but everything in a building—the materials used to build it, the parts inside it, from its frame to wiring to walls to doors— has to be designed and engineered. The growing profession of architectural engineering deals with the engineering designs that are integrated into building systems and the architecture of the building itself. Included are lighting systems, electrical systems, mechanical systems like heating and air conditioning, and the structures themselves. This camp will teach you some of the fundamental knowledge needed to understand these systems, and how they are integrated into the building envelope. Through a series of lectures, hands-on experiments, demonstrations and activities, you will explore the engineering designs that make an architect’s vision unfold.
Max number of students: 20
This camp connects students from the United States and Italy in a shared learning and research experience about the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. Exploring subjects such as perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, motivation, love, hunger, and art. We will try to answer questions like: Why do we sleep and dream? Why are men often more aggressive than women? Do animals see colors? Why do we feel fear and happiness? Do people interact differently in social media? How much of our brain do we actually use? This camp involves students from two different countries and cultures in a collaborative research project.
Max number of students: 20
Product designers create the products we use today and innovate new ones for tomorrow, including electronics, toys, footwear, tools, sports equipment, and medical devices. In this session, students will learn about the product development process and the methodology used by designers within industry to innovate new work for consumers through the development of an original product. Their work will utilize an array of approaches, including iterative sketching and cutting edge digital tools.
Max number of students: 20
If you are interested in robotics and want to start or build your foundation in robotics but you do not know where or how to start, this camp is the right starting point for you. In this camp you learn about robotics by building and programming robots. You build electronic circuits, learn about sensors and work with Arduino microcontroller. You’ll become familiar with mechanical and electronic parts and programming in robotics and expand your knowledge and vision about the future of robotics in modern society. Teamwork and hands on experiments are the centerpieces of this camp. This is a prerequisite for Robotics II Summer Camp, which explores programming and controlling of robots.
Max number of students: 20
If you are interested in robotics and want to start or build your foundation in robotics but you do not know where or how to start, this camp is the right starting point for you. In this camp you learn about robotics by building and programming robots. You build electronic circuits, learn about sensors and work with Arduino microcontroller. You’ll become familiar with mechanical and electronic parts and programming in robotics and expand your knowledge and vision about the future of robotics in modern society. Teamwork and hands on experiments are the centerpieces of this camp. This is a prerequisite for Robotics II Summer Camp, which explores programming and controlling of robots.
Max number of students: 20
In a research lab setting, you’ll genetically engineer bacteria, purify and quantify proteins, and learn how to clone genes. You’ll apply modern DNA profiling techniques to solve crimes and use high-tech tools to diagnose diseases and track infectious outbreaks. Your days will be filled with hands-on experiments.
Max number of students: 20
Explore the role of a computer networking cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence engineer. Learn the fundamentals in monitoring and identifying problems in modern computer networking environments. Gain a better understanding of the design, motivation, and analysis of the basic building blocks of secure computer and network infrastructure. You will get hands-on experience with basic computer monitoring tools used to troubleshoot and improve computer network security. You will also be exposed to Artificial Intelligence projects, exciting tours to local companies with fun projects and games with Raspberry Pi (or similar microcontroller and USB storage devices) that you will keep after the camp.
Max number of students: 20
Explore the role of a computer networking cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence engineer. Learn the fundamentals in monitoring and identifying problems in modern computer networking environments. Gain a better understanding of the design, motivation, and analysis of the basic building blocks of secure computer and network infrastructure. You will get hands-on experience with basic computer monitoring tools used to troubleshoot and improve computer network security. You will also be exposed to Artificial Intelligence projects, exciting tours to local companies with fun projects and games with Raspberry Pi (or similar microcontroller and USB storage devices) that you will keep after the camp.
Max number of students: 20
Do you want to work on teams that design and build healthier and more sustainable communities, while ensuring the welfare of people and the environment? Learn how civil engineering professionals provide solutions to local and global problems, such as supplying communities with clean water and building safe structures, using the latest in green technologies. Teams of campers will design and build structures, conduct watershed analysis, simulate driving scenarios, and compete in creative challenges. You’ll visit the Southeast Michigan Traffic Operations Center, a world-class traffic management center, and learn about the cutting-edge work being done there.
Max number of students: 20
Explore the tools and techniques used by professionals with the Unreal Engine. In this camp, you’ll learn fundamental skills from game designers with an eye toward the digital game industry. You will produce your own gameplay levels in the Unreal Engine filled with visual assets and powered by code you develop. By the end of the week, you will have developed a fully functioning Unreal-powered level that can be the highlight of your growing digital game portfolio. No prior experience necessary.
Max number of students: 20
Immerse yourself in the world of interior design as you explore the principles of layout, color theory, and creative space planning. Dive into hands-on projects and exercises, from crafting mood boards to redesigning spaces, and learn to bring your unique design vision to life.
Max number of students: 20
Want to dive deeper into robotics? If you are familiar with robots and have built one, have been involved in robotics competitions (like FIRST), or participated in the “Beginner Level” camp, this advanced level is for you. The goal of this camp is to help you acquire higher skills and expand your knowledge in robotics by designing, building and programming more sophisticated and autonomous robots. You will build an autonomous vehicle in a team, make the electronics, use various sensors, integrate them into your code, and learn how to program the robot to operate autonomously and deliver the desired goals. You will work in a team and have your robot compete in the last day of the camp. You then will receive all the required pieces to build your own robot at home.
Max number of students: 20
Where better to learn about automotive engineering than at Lawrence Technological University, whose alumni led the design teams of the GTO, the DeLorean, the Taurus, and countless other vehicles? This camp will expose you to the fundamentals of vehicle design and performance. You’ll participate in activities in LTU’s engineering laboratories and visit an automotive industry lab that is involved in the design and manufacturing of modern-day vehicles.
Max number of students: 20
Have you ever asked yourself, “What is Esports?” or “What does it take to compete in Esports?” At this camp we will explore how it’s an emerging sport that has many opportunities for students and the ways that you can get into Esports as well as how to set yourself apart from the competition! We will provide you with tools on how to effectively utilize your time to make your gaming sessions the most productive they can be and teach you how to make each session work for you as an athlete! We will address some of the more stressful aspects of gaming and the mental strains that come along with being an Esports athlete. We will also explore the various titles that you might encounter as an Esports athlete and the differences between them. Grab your controller and your excitement, and let’s get this game started!
Max number of students: 20
In this camp, you will create a detailed game level or short game prototype that will be presented and played at the end of the week. Students are recommended to have experience in Unreal Game Engine (or have attended the Game Design: Make Something Unreal summer camp session). Working alone or in a team you’ll assume the roles of designer and programmer, discovering how levels and environments are built in game spaces. For this, you will use existing game assets and scripts and focus on designing game environments, how spatial and level flows work, tailoring spaces for different player types, environment elements such as lighting, color, texture, environmental sounds in video games. Over the course of the camp, you will develop a working game level, or a short game prototype that can go into a portfolio.
Max number of students: 20
Graphic design is all around us, whether the logo of your home-town team, a poster of your favorite band or the icons on your phone. Under the guidance of an industry professional, you will learn the process of designing a brand system that can be applied to a variety of real-world applications, like t-shirts and websites. Walk away with a portfolio-ready project. You will also visit local design firms and hear guest talks from working graphic designers.
Max number of students: 20
Landscape architects design parks, campuses, plazas, trails and more! In this hands-on design studio, you will have the opportunity to design your own unique space. You will be introduced to a variety of built projects from leading landscape architects and experience some of these spaces on campus, in Southfield, and Detroit. Participants will have fun learning design and leave with a certificate and unique t-shirt.
Max number of students: 20
This program will introduce students to the basics of coding through the use of Python. Students will learn how to program a robotic dog using Python’s simple and easy-to-understand syntax. They will also learn how to use sensors and motors to create movement and interaction with the robotic dog. By the end of the summer program, students will have a basic understanding of coding and be able to control their own robotic dog, giving them hands-on experience in programming and robotics. This fun and interactive program will spark students’ interest in technology and equip them with essential coding skills.
Max number of students: 20
With the growth of technology across all industries, traditional pathways to prosperous careers are becoming less common. Young people need experiences that cultivate critical mindsets and skills for their futures. This summer camp is an intensive, five days, hands-on learning experience that simulates an entrepreneurial and international business trade mission. Student groups, mentored by local experts, are challenged to devise solutions to a major global problem, then present a solution to a panel of judges. In addition to working the muscles of collaboration, problem-solving, and communication, students become familiar with exciting careers in business and international relations, especially in industries connected to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Max number of students: 20
This session will cover the digital fabrication techniques that allow digital designs to be physically created at many scales. The course will teach you how to create a 3D model that can be 3D printed or robotically milled on a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machine. You will work with instructors one-on-one to learn, design, and make your creations. The session will give students an awareness of how these technologies are changing all disciplines of design.
Max number of students: 20
This hands-on camp covers the basics of electrical and computer engineering. Topics covered include basic computer programming, understanding how a computer works, and learning electronic components, including transducers. You will walk away with an Arduino-based kit, a digital-multi meter, electronic components, and a game project, which you will have programmed and soldered. By the end of this camp, you will have had hands-on experience with the C programming language, reading schematics, constructing circuit boards, and testing for functionality.
Max number of students: 20
Have you ever asked yourself, “What is Esports?” or “What does it take to compete in Esports?” At this camp we will explore how it’s an emerging sport that has many opportunities for students and the ways that you can get into Esports as well as how to set yourself apart from the competition! We will provide you with tools on how to effectively utilize your time to make your gaming sessions the most productive they can be and teach you how to make each session work for you as an athlete! We will address some of the more stressful aspects of gaming and the mental strains that come along with being an Esports athlete. We will also explore the various titles that you might encounter as an Esports athlete and the differences between them. Grab your controller and your excitement, and let’s get this game started!
Max number of students: 20
In this fun hands-on learning experience, that uses LEGOs to build miniature cars, you will learn the basic tools of assembly line manufacturing. Each participant will learn how to apply the processes that Henry Ford used when he revolutionized the automotive industry with his Model T car. You will gain an understanding of basic industrial engineering concepts, methodologies, and tools. This session incorporates math, science and visualization experiments. This fun camp will challenge you!
Max number of students: 20
Drug discovery is an exciting field at the interface of chemistry and biology. How are medicinally-relevant molecules created and how are they tested before they are approved as medicines? In this camp, you will prepare and analyze common pharmaceutical drugs. You will study their toxicity and medicinal uses using different model systems, including bacteria, mouse cell cultures, the nematode C. elegans, and brine shrimp. You will also visit LTU’s nursing and physician assistant programs, and will discuss various health-related career paths with an experienced advisor.
Max number of students: 12
If you’ve ever wanted to make sparks, this is the camp for you! This comprehensive program is designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of product design and manufacturing. Throughout the camp, participants will gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing technologies used in the engineering industry. Students will begin by learning industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and the art of designing parts for manufacturing. From there, they will learn to translate their CAD designs into tangible prototypes using 3D printing technology and gain practical experience operating manual mills and lathes to machine custom parts for their project. By the end of the camp, they’ll have not only acquired a strong foundation in engineering design principles, but they will also have a complete project that they can proudly showcase! Additionally, we will instruct students in the basics of welding with a second take-home project centered on the technology.
Students attending this camp will also receive a camp t-shirt and a free 365-day license to the student-version of SolidWorks® CAD design software for their personal computers.
Max number of students: 20
With the growth of technology across all industries, traditional pathways to prosperous careers are becoming less common. Young people need experiences that cultivate critical mindsets and skills for their futures. This summer camp is an intensive, five days, hands-on learning experience that simulates an entrepreneurial and international business trade mission. Student groups, mentored by local experts, are challenged to devise solutions to a major global problem, then present a solution to a panel of judges. In addition to working the muscles of collaboration, problem-solving, and communication, students become familiar with exciting careers in business and international relations, especially in industries connected to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Yes, scholarships are available for students who have exceptional academic records and/or who have proven financial need. Contact summerprograms@ltu.edu to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
You can commute daily or opt for a residential program.
All registration changes and refund requests must be made in writing by June 1st, 2025 to summerprograms@ltu.edu.
Each program is taught by our full-time faculty and/or staff and amazing student assistants. The curriculum provides students with hands on projects, activities and team based learning. Our programs model our mottos of Theory and Practice, and Be Curious. Make Magic
Please review the information above for a detailed listing of the programs and descriptions of activities associated with each session.
For classes, students do not need to bring anything. These items are included in the price of the program and will be provided to the students during class.
Summer program will be in session from June 23, until July 25, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Residential students live in LTU Residence Halls. Depending on the number of participants each year, the specific residence hall is subject to change. More details will be provided to residential students closer to the start of summer programs.
LTU campus dining services provide food for the summer programs. Commuter students receive lunch each day and residential students receive breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Commuters can pay an additional cost to also receive breakfast and dinner each day.
Residential students should arrive the Sunday before the camp between 3 – 5 p.m to East Hall (Building 13) . Dinner will be served in East Hall at 6 p.m. each Sunday. Students will meet the summer program counselors and resident assistants when they arrive and they will escort the students to the evening activities, breakfast and dinner.
Commuter students will check in by 8:30 a.m . in the Atrium of the Buell Management Building (Building 5) on the Monday the camp begins.
Commuters should be picked up between 4:30pm and 5:00pm. There is a late pick-up fee for any students not picked up by 5:00pm.
Please eat breakfast prior to arriving for camp.
The summer programs team has dedicated counselors and the residence hall also has resident assistants and professional staff on duty 24/7. The counselors live in the housing unit with the students for the week and take the students to breakfast and dinner each day. They will also participate in activities with the students each evening. In addition, each housing unit has a live-in Resident Hall Coordinator, who is a full-time Lawrence Tech staff member.
The summer programs team has dedicated counselors and the residence hall also has resident assistants and professional staff on duty 24/7. The counselors live in the housing unit with the students for the week and take the students to breakfast and dinner each day. They will also participate in activities with the students each evening. In addition, each housing unit has a live-in Resident Hall Coordinator, who is a full-time Lawrence Tech staff member.
Arts and Crafts Making
Outdoor Games
Scavenger Hunts
Bowling
Movie Nights
Ridler Field House Gym Nights
Admission Counselor Campus Presentations
Snack Times
… and more!
Campus Safety regularly patrols the campus and housing units. There is an Information Desk located in each housing unit that is staffed between 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. each day and night. During the day, summer programs staff escort students as needed throughout the campus.
Early registration is highly recommended.
Space is limited.
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