Explore our programs

1. Science in the city (SITC)

Science in the City (SITC) is a week-long summer STEM day camp typically hosted at Stanford University for rising 5th and 6th grade students. Established through a partnership with Stanford’s Graduate School of Education and The Social Engineering Project, Inc., SITC provides an immersive, hands-on learning experience designed to spark curiosity and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Each summer, approximately 50 students engage in dynamic chemistry, physics, and engineering experiments that make STEM concepts tangible, exciting, and relevant to their everyday lives. Through experiential learning, mentorship, and exposure to a world-class university environment, students begin to envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

SITC’s long-term vision is to cultivate a genuine love of STEM, inspire college aspirations, and expand pathways into STEM-related majors and careers in technology and innovation.

The 2026 Science in the City camp is tentatively scheduled for July 6–10, 2026 at Stanford University.

Please watch some of the news coverage that SITC has received over the years:

2. TSEP Overnight STEM Camping Conference

The TSEP Overnight STEM Camping Conference is a three-day immersive leadership and college-readiness experience held in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Each year, approximately 100 high school students participate in a transformative outdoor conference designed to strengthen their academic ambition, career awareness, and personal development.

Set against the backdrop of nature, students explore the importance of work-life balance through hiking, yoga, mindfulness, and environmental stewardship. They also engage directly with professionals from leading technology and engineering organizations, gaining insight into real-world STEM careers and industry pathways. In addition, representatives from major universities provide guidance on college preparation, admissions, financial aid, and campus life.

Beyond academics and career exposure, students develop essential life skills—including networking, personal branding, teamwork, and entrepreneurship—while building lasting peer connections in a collaborative and empowering environment.

Key Outcomes Include:

• Increased aspiration to attend and graduate from college
• Greater awareness of STEM career pathways
• Stronger appreciation for environmental responsibility and wellness
• Practical knowledge of college applications, financial aid, and academic success strategies
• Enhanced skills in leadership, collaboration, networking, and entrepreneurial thinking

Organizations interested in participating as corporate partners or workshop leaders are encouraged to complete our interest application.

The 2026 Overnight STEM Camping Conference will take place at YMCA Jones Gulch in Santa Cruz, September 11–13, 2026.

3. Family Science Days (FSD)

Family Science Day (FSD) is a free, hands-on STEM experience offered throughout the school year to reinforce the scientific concepts students explore in TSEP’s programs—while actively engaging their families in the learning journey.

Designed as an inclusive, family-centered event, FSD invites students and their relatives to participate together in interactive science, technology, engineering, and math activities. These experiences help extend STEM learning beyond the classroom and cultivate a shared culture of curiosity and exploration at home.

Family Science Days are often hosted at leading technology company headquarters, where students gain exposure to real-world innovation and learn directly about the products, services, and career pathways within those organizations.

In addition to youth programming, TSEP provides dedicated resources and guidance for parents and caregivers—equipping them with practical tools, insights, and strategies to support their children’s long-term academic growth and pursuit of STEM opportunities.

4. Career Mentorship Symposium (CMS)

The Career Mentorship Symposium (CMS) is an intensive professional development experience designed to prepare high school students for competitive summer internship opportunities and early career success.

In partnership with leading companies such as GoPro, Kaiser Permanente, and others, CMS equips students with practical, real-world skills essential for today’s workforce. Participants receive hands-on guidance in resume development, interview preparation, personal branding, professional communication, leveraging social media for career advancement, and strategic networking.

Through direct engagement with industry professionals, students gain insight into workplace expectations, build confidence in presenting themselves effectively, and strengthen their readiness to pursue internships and future career pathways.

Select participants may also be considered for paid summer internship opportunities with corporate partners.

5. Asset management/data science camp

Thanks to the support of First Citizens Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, and PNC Bank, high school students participated in a two-week immersive institute exploring the fundamentals of asset management and its intersection with STEM disciplines.

Students were introduced to core investment principles, data analysis, and the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in modern portfolio strategy. Through structured coursework, applied homework assignments, and collaborative projects, participants strengthened their analytical thinking and presentation skills.

By the end of the program, students gained a deeper understanding of how financial tools and investment strategies can influence corporate behavior, promote responsible business practices, and drive long-term economic and social impact.

6. TSEP After School STEM Program Pilot

The TSEP After School STEM Program Pilot is an innovative, school-based initiative designed to extend high-quality STEM learning beyond the traditional classroom. Launched in partnership with local school districts, the pilot provides structured, hands-on enrichment for middle school students during the critical after-school hours.

Through project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, students engage in interactive experiments, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world applications that strengthen both academic confidence and critical thinking skills. The program is intentionally designed to complement in-school instruction while making STEM accessible, engaging, and relevant.

In addition to technical skill-building, students develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills—core competencies that prepare them for high school success, college readiness, and future career pathways.

The pilot phase allows TSEP to refine curriculum design, measure student outcomes, and build scalable partnerships that will expand access to sustained, high-impact STEM enrichment across additional schools and communities.