Science Communication Summer Camp for Teens
Building confident communicators who explain complex topics clearly
Your teen will create polished science content, master storytelling techniques, and gain public speaking confidence in our 3-week intensive program.
Camp Sessions & Enrollment
2026 Summer Sessions
Session 1 June 16 – July 3, 2026
Standard Tuition: $650
Early Bird (by May 15): $575
Need-Based Scholarship: $300
Session 2 July 14 – August 1, 2026
Standard Tuition: $650
Early Bird (by June 15): $575
Need-Based Scholarship: $300
Registration closes June 2 (Session 1) / June 30 (Session 2) or when cohort fills.
Live Sessions:
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–2:30 PM ET (recordings available but participation encouraged)
Friday Workshops:
Fridays, 1–2 PM ET (peer feedback, guest speakers, and project work sessions)
Optional Office Hours:
By appointment (drop in for questions or feedback)
Each week builds toward one outcome: a finished audio or video podcast episode your teen scripted, recorded, edited, and presented to a real audience.
Real Projects, Real Skills, Real Confidence
By the end of camp, your student will have:
A polished final project - podcast episode, narrated video, or digital media piece using professional tools
Digital badges for each skill area (storytelling, interviewing, media editing) - shareable on social media and applications
Practical communication skills - explaining complex topics clearly, public speaking confidence, interviewing techniques
Students learn to communicate science on the platforms they already use - TikTok, YouTube, podcasts - while building skills that transfer to academic presentations, college interviews, and future careers.
Who is this camp for?
SciComm Summer Camp is designed for rising 7th -12th graders who are:
Curious about science, technology, or how things work
Creative and want to build digital content creation skills
Looking to improve public speaking and communication confidence
Interested in STEM careers, science communication, or media
No previous experience required - we meet students where they are and teach everything step-by-step.
Learn from a PhD Scientist & Award-Winning Educator
All sessions are led by Dr. Zakiya Whatley, a Ph.D. scientist, award-winning educator, and Webby-nominated podcast host (Dope Labs). She has led science media projects with NASA, Boston Children’s Hospital, and more. Group size is capped at 12 students for a personal, supportive experience.
How Camp Works
SciComm Summer Camp runs for three weeks with live sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Students move from storytelling fundamentals in Week 1, to recording and production in Week 2, to a polished final project and live showcase in Week 3.
Want the full week-by-week breakdown — every session, every deliverable, and what the showcase looks like?
See exactly what happens each week →
Live Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–2:30 PM ET (recordings available) 60-90 minutes of interactive instruction
Friday Workshops: Fridays, 1–2 PM ET Peer feedback, guest speakers, and dedicated project work time
Optional Office Hours: By appointment for individual questions and feedback
All sessions are recorded so students can catch up if they miss a session and stay on track.
Why Science Communication Skills Matter
Science communication skills give students an edge:
Research shows that students who can explain complex topics clearly perform better academically and stand out in college applications. These skills matter because:
Public speaking confidence transfers everywhere - from class presentations to college interviews to future careers
Digital literacy is essential - understanding how to create credible content on social platforms prepares students for modern communication
STEM careers require communication - scientists, engineers, and researchers must explain their work to non-experts, secure funding, and collaborate across disciplines
Final projects become portfolio pieces - polished work students can share with colleges, scholarships, and future opportunities
Want to learn more?
What You’ll Need
Required:
Laptop or desktop computer with internet access and built-in mic
Chrome browser (recommended)
Optional but helpful:
Headphones and external microphone
All software is provided and beginner-friendly. We teach students how to use professional tools like Descript and Canva step-by-step - no editing experience needed.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition: $650 per session Includes all live instruction, project feedback, access to editing tools, session recordings, and your student's final published project.
Early Bird Rate: $575 Available until May 15 (Session 1) / June 15 (Session 2)
Need-Based Scholarships: $300 Limited spots available per session. Apply for a scholarship →
Students who completeSpring Break Studioget a code for $100 off tuition
Donate to the program’s scholarship fund and spread the word to others!
Common Questions
What if my student misses a session?
All sessions are recorded and shared, so students can catch up anytime and stay on track.
How big are the groups?
Each session is limited to 12 students to foster interaction, creativity, and personalized support.
What will students learn?
Campers develop skills in storytelling, interviewing, and media editing. They'll learn to explain complex topics clearly and gain confidence doing it.
What will my student walk away with?
Each student will complete a polished final project (podcast episode or narrated video), gain lifelong skills in public speaking and writing.
Do students get feedback?
Yes! Students receive direct feedback throughout camp - both from the instructor and their peers - designed to build skill and confidence.
Still have questions?
Still have questions?
We’re here to help. If you have questions about registration, scholarships, or whether the camp is a good fit for your student, don’t hesitate to contact us.