Summer is the perfect time to explore new interests, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward your future. At the U.S. Naval Academy, summer also means opportunity. Through the USNA Summer Seminar and the USNA Summer STEM Program, students from across the country can take part in immersive experiences that combine academics, leadership, and hands-on discovery. These standout summer programs for high school students are designed to challenge, inspire, and open doors.
Whether you’re considering the Naval Academy as a future home or looking for enriching summer STEM activities, these programs offer a powerful glimpse into what’s possible on the Yard - and applications are only open through March 31st, so apply soon!
Related: Attend the USNA Summer Programs!
USNA Summer Seminar: A First Taste of Academy Life
For rising high school seniors curious about attending the Naval Academy, the USNA Summer Seminar is an unmatched opportunity. This one-week program delivers a realistic preview of midshipman life (academically, physically, AND professionally), making it an ideal launching point for motivated students.
During six action-packed days, participants live in Bancroft Hall and take part in academic workshops, athletic training, and leadership exercises that mirror the Academy’s core pillars. You’ll experience the structure, expectations, and camaraderie that define life at USNA.
Program highlights include:
- An immersive Academy experience that reflects real midshipman schedules and standards.
- Hands-on leadership and academic workshops that sharpen critical thinking.
- A head start on admissions, since the Summer Seminar application also serves as your preliminary USNA application.
Beyond helping you decide whether USNA is the right fit, this program builds confidence and leadership skills that benefit you no matter where your path leads.
2026 Session Dates
- Session 1 (Saturday–Thursday): May 30 – June 4
- Session 2 (Saturday–Thursday): June 6 – June 11
- Session 3 (Saturday–Thursday): June 13 – June 18
Program Fee: $450
Apply Here: https://usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/index.php
General Inquiries: SummerSeminar@usna.edu
Point of Contact: Karin Dolan (kdolan@usna.edu)
Applications close March 31, 2026, and sessions fill quickly. For questions, contact summerseminar@usna.edu. We encourage you to learn more at the USNA Admissions website before applying.
USNA Summer STEM Program: Ignite Your Curiosity
For students who love to build, design, code, and explore, the USNA Summer STEM Program is one of the most exciting STEM summer camps available. Designed for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, this program emphasizes hands-on learning through engaging summer STEM activities in world-class facilities while allowing students to reside on the Yard in Bancroft Hall.
Participants work closely with USNA faculty and midshipmen to explore coding, game development, robotics, design, and more. These STEM summer programs for high school students focus on learning by doing - encouraging creativity, collaboration, and curiosity.
What makes USNA Summer STEM stand out?
- Expert instruction from faculty and midshipmen mentors.
- Interactive STEM summer activities that mirror real-world problem solving.
- Early exposure to STEM careers, from engineering to technology and applied sciences.
- Top-tier facilities that provide space and opportunity to create and build in some of the best STEM facilities in the country.
With USNA’s engineering programs consistently ranked among the nation’s best, this is a rare chance to experience elite STEM education in action.
2026 Session Dates
- Rising 9th Graders (Monday–Saturday): June 1 – June 6
- Rising 10th Graders (Monday–Saturday): June 8 – June 13
- Rising 11th Graders (Monday–Friday): June 15 – June 19
Program Fee: $450
Apply Here: https://usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/index.php
General Inquiries: SummerSTEM@usna.edu
Point of Contact: Yetanda Massey (ymassey@usna.edu)
Applications close March 31, 2026, and sessions fill quickly. For questions, contact summerstem@usna.edu. We encourage you to learn more at the USNA Admissions website before applying.
Related: USNA’s 2025 Summer STEM Recap
Why These Programs Are Worth It
Both the Summer Seminar and Summer STEM Program go far beyond a typical summer experience. They offer the most impactful leadership and STEM summer programs available, helping students:
- Build meaningful connections with peers from across the country.
- Strengthen college applications with unique, hands-on experiences.
- Explore the Naval Academy and its culture, traditions, and expectations.
For students seeking high-quality STEM summer camps or immersive leadership experiences, these programs deliver lasting value.
Make It a Family Adventure
While students are busy learning and exploring, families can enjoy everything Annapolis and the Yard have to offer, from guided USNA tours and historic landmarks to dining and shopping. Best of all, every visit, meal, and purchase supports the Brigade of Midshipmen by funding extracurricular programs like cultural arts, music, theater, and club sports.
Apply Now and Step Into Summer
Applications for the USNA Summer Seminar and USNA Summer STEM Program are open now - but make sure to act quickly! These programs fill fast because they offer something truly special: Inspiration, challenge, and a clear look at what’s possible.
Come for the summer. Leave with new skills, new confidence, and a new vision for your future. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Yard!
