UW Teton STEM Academy

UW Teton STEM Academy is a week-long residential science camp at the University of Wyoming for students entering 9th, 10th and 11th grade. About two dozen students are chosen each year, with the camp drawing mainly from across Wyoming. The camp is listed among the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium's K-12 programs, and the consortium's associate director serves as associate camp director. The academy covers the life sciences, physical sciences, math and engineering through a shared theme of planning a journey to Mars. Campers design a Martian colony, choose landing sites, learn about digital communication, explore solar and hydrogen energy, test soil samples for signs of life and interpret geological features. The week also includes a field excursion in the Snowy Range and a visit to UW's 2.3-meter Wyoming Infrared Observatory on Jelm Mountain. Professional astronomers, UW graduate students and middle and high school teachers lead the activities. The 2026 session ran from July 12 to July 19 on the Laramie campus. The camp is free apart from a $75 registration fee paid after selection, and on-campus housing and dining are provided. The program is funded by a gift from the estate of Harry and Mary Ann Lawroski of Teton County.

Open to students entering 9th, 10th or 11th grade in the fall. First preference goes to Wyoming residents, but students from other states are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have at least a B average in science and math and passing scores on the state's standardized science and math tests. The online application asks for a 1,000-word essay, an unofficial copy of the most recent report card, and email contacts for two teacher recommenders.