Ecosystems of STEM Careers Programs - Summer 2026
ecosystems of stem banner with graphics of biofacts

The Raptor Center provides funded summer opportunities for middle school and high school students! Join us for a free week-long middle school workshop or as a paid high school intern.

Throughout summer 2026, The Raptor Center is hosting opportunities for Saint Paul and Minneapolis middle schoolers and high schoolers to engage with their local ecosystems and the STEM professionals that research and protect them. These “Ecosystems of STEM Careers” grant-funded programs will be hosted primarily on the St Paul campus, and will also include visits to local conservation sites. High school students can apply for our month-long paid internship and middle school students can enroll in week-long summer-camp style workshops. During each of these programs, we will hear from conservation professionals who support animal, water, and ecosystem health and engage in hands-on investigations of outdoor spaces. High School interns will also research and present their own conservation project. 

High School Internship Program

We are excited to host a month-long internship opportunity for a cohort of 10 high school students.

High School Internship Flyer, download below screen reader optimized

Program Details:

  • 4 week program (June 15th - July 10th, University-observed holidays on 6/19 and 7/3). Students must be able to commit to the entire program.
  • 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday
  • Lunch is provided once a week, during off-site field trips
  • 4 off-site field trips
  • Paid, $18/hour
  • Open to Minneapolis and Saint Paul students entering 10th-12th grade

Application Timeline:

  • Early March 2026 - Application Form Posted (Link will be posted here)
  • Early April 2026 - Application Review Begins
  • Mid April 2026 - Candidate Interviews
  • Late April 2026 - Candidates Selected

Middle School Workshop Program

Join us for a week-long summer-camp style workshop! Registration opens on February 9th at 10 am.

Flyer for Middle school Workshop with download link below, optimized for screen readers.

Program Details:

  • Free of cost
  • 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday, aftercare optional
  • One off-site field trip with lunch provided
  • Open to Minneapolis and Saint Paul students entering 6th-8th grades

Program Dates: (participants can only register for one week)

  • July 20 - 24th
  • July 27 - 31st
  • August 3 - 7th
  • August 10 - 14th

Questions? Please contact Claire Sponheim at [email protected]

Funding for this project is provided by the Cargill Foundation, which supports STEM Education programs that increase equitable access and participation in STEM.