Summer Camps 2025

This AI exploration camp offers an engaging and hands-on introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on society. We inspire future technologists and encourage students to consider a path in AI and related fields. 

Participants will dive into the fundamentals of AI — including machine learning, ethical considerations and real-world applications — through interactive activities, projects and guided discussions.  

Through small group projects and challenges, students have an opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge and develop a better understanding of AI, its potential and its challenges. 

No prior experience required — just curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas.

Contact: Abdullah Canbaz

Age Group: Ages 13 to 18

Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2025

Cost: $375

Location: ETEC, located next to UAlbany’s Uptown Campus

Camp Size: 30 students maximum 

Register for the AI Exploration camp.

The RNA Institute High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp is a competitive summer training program held virtually for high school students.  

The camp delivers training in bioinformatic analysis of RNA sequencing data through live daily lectures, support by UAlbany-affiliated mentors, and completing an independent bioinformatics project based in neurodegenerative disease research.  

This unique camp will provide students with vital skillsets and tools for advanced degrees and careers in any STEM field.

Contacts: Andy Bergland and Sangeetha Selvam

Age Group: Ages 15 to 18

Dates: July 7 to August 1, 2025 (four weeks)

Cost: $1,100 to $1,200 (Payment waivers may be available based on financial need.)

Location: Virtual

Visit the RNA Institute High School Bioinformatics Summer Camp webpage for more information and to apply.

Emphasizing research skills, college readiness and team building, this camp will focus on the integration of marine biology and biotechnology, allowing participants to see how interdisciplinary approaches can drive conservation efforts.  

Students will develop an understanding of coral biology, ecosystems and the impact of climate change on coral reefs through hands-on experience.

Students will delve into molecular coral research by performing RNA isolation, exploring how genes are involved in resilience and how techniques are applied to conservation.  

Lab work such as RNA isolation, DNA barcoding and water chemistry will be complemented by lectures and discussions on cutting-edge technologies in coral conservation. Note: This camp may involve a field trip.

Contact: Michael Gerdes at [email protected]

Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2025

Cost: $400

Location: Department of Biological Sciences, UAlbany’s Uptown Campus; College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, UAlbany’s Downtown Campus; Capital Coral Lab, Albany

Camp Size: 12 students maximum

Register for the Coral Ecology camp.

The Cybersecurity Bootcamp equips high school students with the foundational knowledge, practical training and essential skills needed to work in the field of cybersecurity.  

Taught by faculty from UAlbany’s Department of Information Sciences and Technology, the curriculum will cover a wide range of topics, including network security, cryptography and risk management.

Contact: Kimberly Cornell

Age Group: Ages 13 to 18

Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2025

Cost: $375

Location: ETEC, located next to UAlbany’s Uptown Campus 

Camp Size: 30 students

Register for Cybersecurity Bootcamp.

Students will learn background knowledge and practice basic skills in DNA technology such as blue-white cloning, PCR and Gel Electrophoresis. They will also learn basic data analysis and scientifical presentation of data.  

The curriculum focuses on hands-on approaches to learn about DNA technology techniques and perform them firsthand. 

The camp's curriculum directly mimics a portion of college laboratory courses and will grant students experience closely resembling work in academic or pharmaceutical research labs. 

Contacts: Haijun Chen and Ed Norkvests at [email protected]

Age Group: Ages 15 to 18

Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2025

Cost: $375

Location: Department of Biological Sciences, UAlbany’s Uptown Campus 

Camp Size: 14 students 

Register for the DNA Technology camp.

Campers will focus on an enriching and exciting curriculum surrounding the incorporation of drones in modern society.  

Curriculum will cover unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground-based robotics, the generalized purposes of this technology, careers in these fields, drone/robot platforms, camera systems, and coding relating to UAVs and robotics.  

Students will be given hands-on instruction in UAlbany’s Drone & Robotics Lab.

Contact: Frank Peris at [email protected]

Age Group: Ages 13 to 18

Dates: August 4 to 8, 2025

Cost: $400

Location: Drone & Robotics Lab, Page Hall, UAlbany’s Downtown Campus

Camp Size: 30 students maximum

Register for the Drones & Robotics camp.

Interested in forensics? This camp offers students an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of forensic science.  

Under the guidance of forensic experts, participants will be immersed in hands-on activities, learning essential skills in crime scene investigation, evidence collection and analysis using modern forensic techniques.  

Working in teams to solve a mock crime, campers will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining real-world insights into the field of forensic science.

Students will learn and apply techniques in crime scene investigations, crime scene reconstruction, glass analysis, soil analysis, forensic drug analysis, forensic finger printing and forensic DNA analysis.

Contact: Ryan Thurman

Age Group: Ages 13 to 18

Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2025

Cost: $400

Location: Department of Biological Sciences, UAlbany’s Uptown Campus

Camp Size: 13 students maximum

Register for the Forensic Science & Investigation camp.

Girls Inc. Eureka!® at UAlbany is a free, unique program that will provide girls with a gentle introduction to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education through an intensive summer camp experience followed up with support during the school year.

Girls commit to the program for five years, preparing them for the next step in their education after high school.

Girls Incorporated programming inspires girls to be strong, smart and bold, and gives them the capacity to achieve their full potential.

In addition, we provide an equitable environment for girls through activities that help direct them to a confident and responsible adulthood with economic independence and personal fulfillment.

Contact: Kelly Mucci at [email protected] or 518-374-9800 ext. 222

Age Group: 13 to 14 years old (Applicants must be entering eighth or ninth grade in September 2025.)

Cost: Free

Visit the Girls Inc. Eureka! webpage for more information and to apply. 

Note: This camp takes place on a UAlbany campus but is not run by the University. 

Designed to spark interest in health, medical sciences and STEM, this camp offers students an exciting opportunity to explores the microbial world by combining theoretical knowledge in microbiology and evolution with hands-on experience in microbiology techniques.

Students will work in teams to collect bacterial samples, discovering the fascinating diversity of bacterial shapes, sizes and colors. This hands-on experience will highlight how everyday surfaces can harbor dangerous bacteria, bacteria carrying antimicrobial resistance or fecal coliforms.

Students will identify different bacteria, develop critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills while gaining real-world insights about the impact of microbes in our daily lives.

Contact: Stephanie DeSouza

Age Group: Ages 13 to 18

Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2025

Cost: $375 

Location: Department of Biological Sciences, UAlbany’s Uptown Campus 

Camp Size: 12 students maximum

Register for the MicroExplorer Biology camp.

Learn to forecast the weather by visiting a mountaintop weather observatory and conducting experiments. Launch a weather balloon to gather data and understand the causes and consequences of air pollution and climate change. Explore careers and college opportunities in meteorology.

The day camp is hosted by UAlbany’s Department of Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences and Atmospheric Science Research Center and run by UAlbany faculty.

Contacts: Sara Lance and Justin Minder

Age Group: Ages 14 to 18

Dates: July 23 to August 1, 2025 

Cost: Free, with lunch provided

Location: UAlbany’s Uptown Campus, with one field trip to the Whiteface Mountain Observatory in the Adirondack Mountains

Visit the UAlbany Weather, Climate & Chemistry Camp website for more information and to apply.

This camp will offer students the opportunity to explore the art of darkroom photography, the fundamentals of using an SLR camera, shooting 35mm black and white film, developing the film, and creating prints in the darkroom.

Through personalized instruction, students will develop the technical skills and conceptual development needed to understand the foundational elements of photography.  

Given the decline in darkroom photography in most high school curricula, this camp will introduce this classic medium to students. It will be ideal for a diverse range of interests and tailored to beginners, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the basics of photography.  

Contact: Allison DeBritz at [email protected]

Age Group: Ages 13 to 18

Dates: Two week-long sessions of this camp will be offered.

• July 7 to 11, 2025
• July 14 to 18, 2025

Cost: $375

Location: Department of Art and Art History, UAlbany’s Uptown Campus 

Camp Size: 10 students 

Register for the Darkroom Photography camp.

The Capital District Writing Project sponsors summer writing workshops for elementary, middle and high school writers who love to write and enjoy collaborating with other writers.

Workshop facilitators are experienced K-12 educators from the Capital Region who challenge young people to grow as writers in fun, interactive ways, within a supportive community.

We offer half-day workshops across all grade levels and a full-day workshop for high school students. Four workshops in total are available.

Contact: [email protected] 

Age Group: Ages 6 to 18

Dates: July 7 to 11, 2025

Cost: $225 to $550 (Scholarships may be available.)

Location: UAlbany’s Uptown Campus

Visit the 2025 Young Writers Workshops website for more information and to register.

Students will complete lab exercises and hands-on experience with artifacts, focusing on archaeologists’ roles and the types of material they work with. 

They will also learn how to make stone tools and use some items of indigenous technologies, such as an "atlatl" spear thrower.

Students will visit the New York State Museum, engage in excavations at the Helme site, a real archaeological site in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, and spend time in the archaeological labs to wash and process artifacts they discover. 

Note: This camp involves a field trip and may require student drop off and pickup at locations such as the New York State Museum and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Contacts: Chris Wolff and Sean Rafferty

Age Group: Ages 13 to 18

Dates: July 7 to 11, 2025

Cost: $375

Location: UAlbany, New York State Museum and Albany Pine Bush 

Camp Size: 12 students minimum

Register for the Archaeology camp.

This immersion experience will allow participants to improve their Spanish language competence, especially at the oral level, and enhance their knowledge and appreciation for Hispanic cultures.  

Daily activities will include brief instruction, followed by real life language interactions and engaging activities. Activities include games, crafts, movies, discussions, cooking club, a visit to the museum and other exhibits, and a visit to a local restaurant.  

This program allows campers to practice Spanish language and expose them to varied aspects of Hispanic culture. Eligible campers should demonstrate an intermediate Spanish language level and make efforts to only speak Spanish during the program.  

Contact: Leonardo Correa and Ilka Kressner

Age Group: Ages 13 to 18

Dates: July 14 to 18, 2025

Cost: $375

Location: Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, UAlbany’s Uptown Campus 

Camp Size: 15 students maximum 

Register for the Spanish Language Immersion camp.