Summer Physics Camp Invites New Mexico and Hawai’i Students to Explore ‘Invisible Worlds’

Santa Fe, NM – The 10th Annual Summer Physics Camp, a two-week intensive program designed to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in young minds, will take place from June 9-19, 2026, at the New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe. The camp is open to students residing in New Mexico, New Mexico Tribal Communities, and East Hawai‘i Island.

Hands-on Exploration with National Lab Experts

Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn alongside leading STEM professionals from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories. The camp’s curriculum encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including physics, engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, computer programming, and cybersecurity. Learning is achieved through dynamic, hands-on projects designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.

This Year’s Theme: Invisible Worlds

The 2026 camp theme, “Invisible Worlds: Physics Beyond What Our Eyes Can See,” will delve into the unseen forces that shape our universe. Students will explore concepts such as electricity, gravitational waves, the quantum realm, and the microscopic machinery of life. The program aims to facilitate students understand and experience the invisible world around them through engaging activities.

Eligibility and Application Details

To be eligible for the Summer Physics Camp, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a student living in New Mexico, New Mexico Tribal Communities, or East Hawai‘i Island.
• Have completed Algebra I or a higher-level math course.
• Be able to commit to full participation for two weeks (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).

Acceptance is not based on GPA, but rather on how the camp experience can contribute to a student’s future aspirations. The camp particularly encourages applications from students who may not traditionally consider themselves future scientists.

Free to Attend with Stipend and Program Opportunities

The Summer Physics Camp is offered free of charge to all accepted students. Participants will receive lunch and snacks daily, a $350 stipend upon completion of the program, and the opportunity to join the SAGE Journey program—a community focused on fostering creativity, innovation, and leadership in science and technology.

A limited number of free residential spots are available for selected students who live more than 60 miles from Santa Fe and are unable to commute daily.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested students must submit the following by 5:00 p.m. On Tuesday, April 1, 2026:

• A completed online application, including a short essay explaining their interest in the camp.
• A recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor emailed to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov.
• School transcripts confirming completion of Algebra I emailed to spcyw-nm@lanl.gov.

Sponsors and Volunteer Opportunities

The Summer Physics Camp is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Los Alamos National Laboratory, TRIAD National Security LLC, Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico Consortium, and numerous other organizations and individuals. Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to STEM Santa Fe.

Volunteers are too crucial to the camp’s success. Opportunities are available as topic leads, session leads, session support, logistics support, and residential chaperones. Interested individuals can fill out a volunteer form for more information.

For More Information

Further details about the Summer Physics Camp can be found at https://newmexicoconsortium.org/summer-physics-camp/ and https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/internships/summer-schools/summer-physics-camp.