Attend the USNA Summer Programs!

If the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) is on your radar, here’s a tip: Start your journey early with one of its world-class summer programs. Whether you’re dreaming of a future in science, technology, engineering, and math - or wondering if Academy life is right for you - the USNA’s summer experiences offer an unforgettable taste of both.

Applications for the 2026 summer sessions open on January 6, 2026, and if there’s one thing you should know, it’s this: They fill up fast. Consider this your head start! From the high-energy Summer Seminar to the hands-on STEM summer camps, these programs are your golden opportunity to experience the Yard, meet future leaders, and dive into the world of Navy academics, athletics, and adventure.

Let’s walk through what makes these summer programs such a perfect springboard for your USNA journey.

Summer Seminar: A Week in the Life of a Midshipman

If you’re a rising high school senior who’s serious about exploring the Naval Academy, the USNA Summer Seminar is the ultimate preview. For one action-packed week, you’ll live like a midshipman - yes, that means waking up early, taking part in physical training, and immersing yourself in the academic and leadership life that defines the Academy.

Participants stay in Bancroft Hall (home to all 4,400 midshipmen during the academic year), eat in King Hall, and take part in workshops covering topics like leadership, ethics, seamanship, and of course, STEM-focused courses. You’ll also get the chance to challenge yourself in team-building activities and athletic events designed to give you a true feel for the Academy’s values of honor, courage, and commitment.

But this isn’t just about push-ups and precision - it’s about discovery. Many students leave the seminar saying it confirmed their dream to attend USNA. Others find clarity about what kind of college and career path fits them best. Either way, the experience is transformative.

2026 SESSION DATES

SESSION 1 (SAT - THURS) MAY 30 - JUNE 4

SESSION 2 (SAT - THURS) JUNE 6 - JUNE 11

SESSION 3 (SAT - THURS) JUNE 13 - JUNE 18

Registration opens January 6, 2026: Apply Here

The USNA Summer STEM Program: For Future Innovators

If you’re a rising high school student with a curious mind and a love for science or engineering, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the USNA Summer STEM Program - one of the most sought-after STEM summer camps in the country.

This isn’t your average STEM education summer camp. Hosted right on the Naval Academy’s scenic waterfront campus in Annapolis, Maryland, USNA Summer STEM (or USNA Summer STEM Camp) introduces students in rising grades 9th-11th to the excitement of problem-solving, teamwork, and hands-on innovation.

Each session focuses on interactive learning through experiments, design challenges, and creative projects led by USNA faculty and midshipmen mentors. Whether you’re rebuilding a lawn mower engine, testing your built structure against high winds, or coding your own mini apps, you’ll learn by doing and thinking like an engineer or scientist.

The best part? You’ll get to see how STEM summer programs connect directly to real-world applications in naval science and technology. The Navy and Marine Corps depend on leaders who can innovate under pressure, think critically, and solve complex challenges. At USNA Summer STEM, you’ll get a firsthand look at how those skills come to life.

2026 SESSION DATES

RISING 9TH GRADERS (MONDAY-SATURDAY) JUNE 1 - 6

RISING 10TH GRADERS (MONDAY-SATURDAY) JUNE 8 - 13

RISING 11TH GRADERS (MONDAY-FRIDAY) JUNE 15 – 19

Registration opens January 6, 2026: Apply Here

Why These Programs Matter

The USNA summer programs are more than just fun - they’re a launchpad. Attending one can help you stand out in the college admissions process, especially if you’re planning to apply to service academies or pursue a technical field.

Here’s what participants gain:

Insight into Academy Life: You’ll learn what it takes to thrive at USNA - academically, physically, and personally.
Leadership Experience: Teamwork, communication, and discipline are built into every activity.
Academic Enrichment: The programs blend classroom learning with practical problem-solving, giving you an edge in future STEM summer camps or college-level courses.
Connections That Last: You’ll meet midshipmen, instructors, and fellow students who share your drive and curiosity. Many form friendships that continue through their college years and beyond.

These programs also demystify the Academy experience. For some students, the idea of attending a military academy can feel intimidating at first. But once you spend a week on the Yard - working in world-class labs, living like midshipmen, and participating in group challenges - you’ll see that the Naval Academy is as much about innovation and collaboration as it is about discipline and service.

And bonus: Your visit to the Yard helps support the Brigade of Midshipmen, since it funds extracurriculars and club sports that forge teamwork and camaraderie here and in the Fleet.

Get Ready to Apply - Spots Go Fast!

Applications for the 2026 USNA Summer Seminar and USNA Summer STEM programs open January 6th and demand is high. If you’re serious about exploring these opportunities, don’t wait.

Your Future Starts Here

So, should you attend the USNA Summer Programs? The answer is an enthusiastic yes! Whether you’re drawn to leadership, innovation, or adventure, there’s no better way to test-drive the Academy experience and see how your skills and passions align with a future of service and discovery.

The USNA Summer Seminar and USNA Summer STEM programs aren’t just summer camps, they’re gateways to possibility.

Don’t just dream about your future, start building it this summer on the Yard.

On The Yard