As many high school students prepare to submit their applications to attend programs this upcoming summer, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for a program that challenges you academically and also reshapes how you think about service, the United States Naval Academy Summer STEM (USNA Summer STEM) Program is definitely worth consideration.
Attending the USNA Summer STEM Program was one of the most transformative experiences in my high school journey. Over the course of five days, this residential program helped me meet new people, allowed me to learn about the US military, and ignited a surge of patriotism in me.
On the first night, we met our squads, which were groups of 4 to 6 students, including girls and boys. Each squad had a squad leader–a USNA student–who would guide us throughout the week. My squad leader took us to each class, ate with us during meals, traveled with us to our dorms, and spent downtime with us. Despite it being only a short five days, the quality time we spent together made us quickly become a USNA family.
The second day of the summer camp was a day trip to Washington, D.C. We took USNA buses to visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and both the National Natural Museum and the National American History Museum. The remaining three days were filled with four STEM classes each day: two after breakfast and two after lunch.
The classes offered activities from all different kinds of STEM topics: reverse engineering a lawn mower engine, programming a Lego robot to navigate a maze as efficiently as possible, making our own soap, build and launch our own mini rockets, as well as solving math problems in various hypothetical situations, such as giving aid during a natural disaster.
The rest of the time before dinner would be a sports period, where students were free to play any sports provided, such as football, volleyball, and soccer, in the large USNA fields with friends. Finally, evenings ended with a social activity, such as a shaved ice social, majors night, BBQ with music, or a movie night.
What made USNA Summer STEM so different from other STEM camps was its relationship to the military. Speaking with USNA students and midshipmen opened my eyes to the paths available to those who want to serve their country. Even though I may not join the military myself, it inspired a surge of patriotism.
Being at USNA definitely shifted my perspective on service because it was more than just a summer camp. It was a doorway into the lives of students who were not only intellectually gifted but also full of incredible physical perseverance. It was inspiring to see so many people dedicated to using their talents and hard work to serve our country.
Although USNA’s strict rules and military life may not be for everyone, it was a unique window into the lives of those who choose to serve and taught me to be grateful for such selfless people.
