STEM at Griffiss Institute
RI STEM Programs:*
Virtual Engineering Club
Virtual Engineering Club
Virtual Engineering Club will be held via Zoom on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00pm, January 20th-April 1st, 2026. Students will need to select either Tuesday or Wednesday to participate in the weekly camp.
This 10-week program is designed to give 5th-8th grade students hands-on experience learning the basic principles of engineering. Students will design, build, and test their own working devices
This camp is provided free of charge, and all materials will be provided. No prior experience is needed. Registration is required!
The Air Force Research Lab, with support from the Griffiss Institute, is proudly sponsoring the AFRL/RI STEM Virtual Engineering Club
2025 STEM Summer Camps
2025 STEM Summer Camps!
Application window will open at 12:00pm on Monday, May 19th, 2025, and will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 for all camps that have reached capacity. If capacity is exceeded during the open application period, camp placements will be made by lottery. Applicants will be notified via email of their registration status.
Eligible grades for each camp include students entering into the listed grade levels. For example, Grades 3-5 includes students entering into 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade in the upcoming (2025-2026) school year.
Drone Camp: July 7 - July 11
*This camp ends at noon on July 11*
Students will focus on Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) concepts that combine classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students will assemble a quadcopter and learn the science of aerodynamics and radio-controlled vehicles while focusing on the safety of use (FAA’s Know Before You Fly Initiative). At the end of the week, students will fly their drones through an obstacle course at Griffiss International Airport. The camp has been designed to excite students’ interest in STEM, focusing on aviation and the high-growth field of unmanned aerial systems, and will introduce students to the local employment opportunities in UAS and aviation fields. Students will gain a competitive advantage in entering aviation fields by giving them a solid foundation in science, mathematics, and communication skills, and introducing them to cutting-edge aircraft technologies.
Dates: Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 11
Time: 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Grades: 9-12
Max Class Size: 12
Arduino Camp: July 14 - July 17
Bring gadgets of all sorts to life with computer engineering hardware and software! Students will receive an Arduino kit with a multitude of sensors and electronic components that they will assemble into a system that they will program with the Arduino IDE’s C++-based language. Learn how to design, build, and program microprocessors and attachments to complete a task. At the end of the camp, students should have a good understanding of introductory computer engineering concepts.
Dates: Monday, July 14 – Thursday, July 17
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Grades: 9-12
Max Class Size: 20
Location: Innovare Advancement Center
Principles of Flight 2: July 18
Students will conduct aircraft flight testing in a similar manner done at flight test centers. They will assess the expected outcome, plan and conduct a test, and collect and analyze data to determine if their hypothesis is proven correct or not. Students will conduct takeoff testing by varying airplane gross weight and seeing the effects on runway takeoff distance.
Dates: Friday, July 18
Time: 9:00AM – 3:30PM
Grades: 8-12
Max Class Size: 16
Engineering Camp: July 22 - July 25
*This camp ends at noon on July 25*
Engineering Camp is designed to engage middle school students in using their minds and hands to learn basic principles of mechanical and electrical engineering by designing, building, testing, and redesigning their own working devices. The curriculum combines guided lab investigations with fun, open-ended design challenges, emphasizing hands-on experience in solving practical engineering problems through creativity and the application of scientific ideas. Students will work in pairs using recycled or inexpensive craft materials and simple electrical components to build and test their own creations. No prior experience is required.
Dates: Tuesday, July 22 – Friday, July 25
Time: 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Grades: 6-8
Max Class Size: 20
Location: Innovare Advancement Center
Principles of Flight 1: July 25
Come fly with us! Students will learn how airplanes fly using Newton’s Laws of Motion, Bernoulli’s equation, and cover the Four Forces of Flight. Students will then see how they are applied by flying balsa aircraft and observing at actual aircraft.
Dates: Friday, July 25
Time: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Grades: 4-7
Max Class Size: 16
Lego Robotics: July 28 - August 1
*This camp ends at noon on August 1*
Students learn how to command robots to do their bidding. But first, students must speak their robot’s native language. Over the course of 5 days, students will design and build their robot, program it to solve challenges on a LEGO game board and fix their robot’s code, or even attachments when it inevitably does not do what they expected it to do the first time.
Dates: Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1
Time: 9:00AM -3:00PM
Grades: 5-6
Max Class Size: 12
Location: NTROPEE
Cyber Camp: July 28 - August 1
*This camp ends at noon on August 1*
Students will get to learn the basic concepts of cyber security. Learn about the Linux operating system, networking, computer administration, malware, and basic scripting, with a security focus. The camp encourages critical thinking, applied learning, engineering methods, and reasoning. Cyber Camp is great for those students who want to get a taste of computer/IT technology and feel what it is like to manage a computer system.
Dates: Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Grades: 9-12
Max Class Size: 16
Location: Innovare Advancement Center
Sphero Camp: July 29 - July 31
*While there are 2 dates for Sphero Camps (7/29 – 7/31 & 8/5 – 8/7), students can only sign up for and be accepted to ONE of them*
Sphero Camp will introduce young students to the basic principles of programming. They will learn to program and drive their Sphero Bolt. There will be an Introduction to Sphero and Programming, Design Engineering Challenges, Art Exploration, and Games. Programming concepts they will learn include move, lights, if/then, and random number generator.
Dates: Tuesday, July 9 – Thursday, July 11
Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Grades: 3-5
Max Class Size: 12 per session
Location: NYSTEC
Principles of Flight 1: August 1
Come fly with us! Students will learn how airplanes fly using Newton’s Laws of Motion, Bernoulli’s equation, and cover the Four Forces of Flight. Students will then see how they are applied by flying balsa aircraft and observing at actual aircraft.
Dates: Friday, August 1
Time: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Grades: 4-7
Max Class Size: 16
Lego Robotics: August 4 - August 8
Students learn how to command robots to do their bidding. But first, students must speak their robot’s native language. Over the course of 5 days, students will design and build their robot, program it to solve challenges on a LEGO game board and fix their robot’s code, or even attachments when it inevitably does not do what they expected it to do the first time.
Dates: Monday, August 4 – Friday, August 8
Time: 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Grades: 5-8
Max Class Size: 12
Location: SUNY Poly
Sphero Camp: August 5 - August 7
*While there are 2 dates for Sphero Camps (7/29 – 7/31 & 8/5 – 8/7), students can only sign up for and be accepted to ONE of them*
Sphero Camp will introduce young students to the basic principles of programming. They will learn to program and drive their Sphero Bolt. There will be an Introduction to Sphero and Programming, Design Engineering Challenges, Art Exploration, and Games. Programming concepts they will learn include move, lights, if/then, and random number generator.
Dates: Tuesday, August 5 – Thursday, August 7
Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Grades: 3-5
Max Class Size: 12 per session
Location: NYSTEC
Principles of Flight 2: August 8
Students will conduct aircraft flight testing in a similar manner done at flight test centers. They will assess the expected outcome, plan and conduct a test, and collect and analyze data to determine if their hypothesis is proven correct or not. Students will conduct takeoff testing by varying airplane gross weight and seeing the effects on runway takeoff distance.
Dates: Friday, August 8
Time: 9:00AM – 3:30PM
Grades: 8-12
Max Class Size: 16
Principles of Flight 1: August 11 - *Previously July 14*
Come fly with us! Students will learn how airplanes fly using Newton’s Laws of Motion, Bernoulli’s equation, and cover the Four Forces of Flight. Students will then see how they are applied by flying balsa aircraft and observing at actual aircraft.
Dates: Monday, August 11 – *Previously July 14*
Time: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Grades: 4-7
Max Class Size: 16
Principles of Flight 1: August 15
Come fly with us! Students will learn how airplanes fly using Newton’s Laws of Motion, Bernoulli’s equation, and cover the Four Forces of Flight. Students will then see how they are applied by flying balsa aircraft and observing at actual aircraft.
Dates: Friday, August 15
Time: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Grades: 4-7
Max Class Size: 16
Quantum Innovation Camp: August 18 - August 22
*This camp ends at noon on August 22*
Students learn about the physics and engineering of quantum experimentation and witness cutting-edge research. Build lasers, learn about superconductivity, and watch tiny, charged atoms (ions) trapped before your very eyes. Experience quantum levitation, learn how to speak the language of a quantum computer, and visit a state-of-the-art quantum laboratory to observe quantum mechanics in action! This STEM camp is a perfect fit for students who are interested in science, engineering, or computers, and will bring awesome technology and cool concepts to the next generation of young scientists!
Dates: Monday, August 18 – Friday, August 22
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Grades: 9-12
Max Class Size: 15
Location: Innovare Advancement Center
Principles of Flight 1: August 22
Come fly with us! Students will learn how airplanes fly using Newton’s Laws of Motion, Bernoulli’s equation, and cover the Four Forces of Flight. Students will then see how they are applied by flying balsa aircraft and observing at actual aircraft.
Dates: Friday, August 22
Time: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Grades: 4-7
Max Class Size: 16
AFRL Challenge Competition
AFRL Challenge Competition
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate, in conjunction with the Griffiss Institute (GI), is excited to sponsor the 16th Annual Challenge Competition as one of our joint STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives.
This competition serves as a way for students to utilize their math and science skills for real world problems that AFRL personnel are researching. The winners of the competition will be awarded varying prizes in the form of cash contributions to a New York 529 account. The Challenge Competition will begin Monday, April 21, 2025, at 8:00am at the Griffiss Institute located inside the Innovare Advancement Center, 592 Hangar Road, and end on Friday, April 25, 2025.
*These STEM programs are funded and led by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate, located in Rome, NY.
GI STEM Programs:**
PASSPORT Program
PASSPORT
Powerful After School STEM Program Offering Real Transformation
Starting October 20th
PASSPORT is an after-school STEM program designed especially for Rome City School District students in grades 3–6. Hosted weekly at the Innovare Advancement Center from October 20 through the end of the RCSD school year, the program offers hands-on learning in the style of our popular STEM Circuit 4 summer camp, combining creativity, problem-solving, and project-based exploration.
Read More
The curriculum, centered on STEM, will feature a series of age-appropriate activities and experiments designed to ignite students’ curiosity and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This initiative not only seeks to spark interest but also to support the social and emotional growth of participants.
Registration will open at 12:00pm EST Friday, December 6, 2024 and close Friday, December 20, 2024. Space is limited and spots are available on a first come, first served basis.
Cost: $125 per week, 1st child, $100 per week, per each additional sibling.
Hours of operation: 3:30 – 5:30pm, M-F beginning on January 6th – June 27, 2025.
School breaks and half days will have unique operating schedules.
STEM Expedition
STEM Expedition
STEM Expedition programs are tailored for students in grades 2–6, offering engaging and meaningful learning experiences focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Each camp features a unique theme, providing a variety of hands-on activities and explorations.
Program participants are not required to sign up for every camp in the series, allowing freedom to pick and choose as desired. All camps will take place at the Innovare Advancement Center.
Read more about each camp below:
STEMsgiving - Nov. 26
STEMsgiving
Dates: Wednesday, November 26
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Theme: Autumn/Thanksgiving
STEM Topic(s): Engineering
Cost: $55
Silent Night (For Parents) - Dec. 4
Silent Night (For Parents)
Wrap up some holiday errands and leave your kids with us!
Dates: Thursday, December 4
Time: 5:30PM – 8:30PM
Theme: Winter
STEM Topic(s): Chemistry, Engineering
Cost: $45
STEM Wonderland - Dec. 22-23
STEM Wonderland
Dates: Monday, December 22 & Tuesday, December 23
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Theme: Winter Weather
STEM Topic(s): Chemistry, Engineering
Cost: $110
STEM Below Zero: Science in the Cold - Dec. 29-31 + Jan 2
STEM Below Zero: Science in the Cold
Dates: Monday – Wednesday, December 29 – 31 & Friday, January 2
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Theme: Science in the Cold
STEM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
Cost: $220
Inventioneers: Build the Future - Feb. 17-20
Inventioneers: Build the Future
Dates: Tuesday, February 17 – Friday, February 20
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Theme: Build the Future, Shark Tank-Style Invention
STEM Topic(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
Cost: $220
LEGO Robotics - Mar. 20
LEGO Robotics
Dates: Friday, March 20
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Theme: LEGO Robotics
STEM Topic(s): Technology
Cost: $55
LEGO Robotics - Apr. 3
LEGO Robotics
Dates: Friday, April 3
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Theme: LEGO Robotics
STEM Topic(s): Technology
Cost: $55
Spring into STEM - Apr. 6-10
Spring into STEM
Dates: Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Theme: Biology, Wildlife, Outdoors
STEM Topic(s): Engineering, Chemistry
Cost: $275
STEM Circuit4
STEM Circuit4
What is it?
STEM Circuit4 is an educational opportunity consisting of four FREE, week-long camps for 3rd-6th graders, with opportunities to participate in Rome, Utica, VVS, and Marcy. Students who reside within Rome, Utica, and VVS school districts are given priority for camp placement within their respective districts. Marcy camps will offer their site to students of any school district.
When do the camps take place?
Monday – Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm from July 7 – August 1. Students are not required to be enrolled in all four sessions, but should plan to attend the full week of camp for each session they are enrolled.
Camp Focus Areas:
Chemistry
Biology
Aerospace & Drones
Coding & Cybersecurity
Why it matters?
STEM Circuit4 will:
- Provide critical child care alternatives for working families
- Provide hands-on STEM experiences
Demand for Griffiss Institute STEM camps far exceeds supply. Spots fill within minutes when open. This program scales our proven model across the region, creating transformational access to STEM learning for students historically left out of these opportunities.
STEM Discovery Sleepaway Camp - Delta Lake
STEM Discovery Sleepaway Camp
Griffiss Institute is proud to present the launch of STEM Discovery Camp at Delta Lake Conference Center! Dive into the exciting world of hands-on STEM learning in the beautiful setting of a lakeside summer camp.
Program Information
Dates: Sunday, August 17 – Friday, August 22
Grade Level: 9th – 12th
Location: Delta Lake Conference Center, Rome NY & Griffiss Institute, 592 Hangar Road, Rome, 13441
Meals: Meals are provided each day of the camp at the Delta Dining Hall and are completely covered within the registration cost. Snack shop facilities are available on site.
Sleeping facilities: Indoor lodge with sharing sleeping facilities of 4 bunks per room. Counselors and buddies will be assigned for groups of campers.
Cost: $1,500 per student inclusive of all – the STEM camp and all supplies, sleeping accommodations, meals from Sunday evening through Friday lunch, and all summer camp recreational fun including waterfront, campfires, and group activities!
Transportation: Transportation and the beginning and end of the program is the responsibility of the camper parent or guardian. Transportation will be provided to an alternate site as part of the program, parents or guardians will be provided with a permission form.
**These STEM programs are funded and led directly by the Griffiss Institute
RI STEM: Connecting and Inspiring
As the local division representing the AFRL Information Directorate here in Rome, NY., at RI STEM we believe in the power of connection. By bringing together businesses, government foundations, higher education institutions, professional organizations, schools, teachers, and students, we create a collaborative ecosystem that fuels the passion for STEM.
DAF STEM: Embark on a Journey of Discovery with the Air & Space STEM Outreach Program
The Air & Space STEM Outreach Program has a clear mission is: to cultivate the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technologists who will shape the landscape of defense laboratories and contribute to U.S. innovation.
Program Highlights:
• Real-World Challenges: High school competitions addressing problems defined by senior researchers at AFRL/RI.
• Internship Opportunities: Annual Challenge Competition where students vie for paid summer internships at AFRL/RI and local companies.
• Access to Engineers: Bridging the gap between classrooms and real-world application.
• Career & Science Fairs: Exploring diverse STEM career paths and networking opportunities.
• CyberPatriot Competition: Cultivating cybersecurity skills through friendly competition.
• Beyond the Classroom: Providing in-person opportunities for students to enhance their STEM education.
• Real Skills, Real Careers: Practical skills application for a direct transition to STEM careers.
